OTTAWA — The federal government has issued an alert for Canadians heading to France, telling travellers to exercise a high degree of caution because of possible ********* strikes stemming from the ongoing ‘Yellow Vests’ ********.

At the travel.gc.ca/destinations/france page, the government advises Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” in France due to the current elevated ****** of *********.

“Demonstrations by the Yellow Vests movement have been taking place in Paris and other parts of the country since ******** 17, 2018. Demonstrators have blocked roads in certain areas, leading to important traffic disruptions. Acts of vandalism and ******** occurred during large ********. In some regions, there were disruptions to public services, including public transportation.

“Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest information.”

As reported on Dec. 3, earlier this week French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe met with political rivals in a bid to ease protesters’ anger after facing widespread criticism following violent anti-government ******** that rocked Paris.

More than 130 people were ******* and 412 arrested Saturday in the French capital amid the nation’s ***** **** in a generation. ****** responded with ******** and water cannons, closing down dozens of streets and subway stations to contain the ****.

According to the latest reports, one of the activists leading France’s ******* movement says that he fears more ****** if a demonstration planned for this Sat. Dec. 8 goes ahead, and called for President Emmanuel Macron to speak out and bring calm.

Christophe Chalencon said that “if not there will be *****,” with risks of more ******.

The grassroots movement, triggered by fuel tax hikes, has grown amid Macron’s silence, he said.

Four people have **** since ******** began in ********. Violent rampaging last Saturday devastated the French capital.

With files from the Associated Press