COUTTS, ALTA. — RCMP are moving in on a blockade of truckers and others protesting COVID-19 measures at Alberta’s southern border crossing.
Commercial trucks, vehicles and camper vans have been blocking the highway at the Coutts border crossing since Saturday to protest COVID-19 restrictions.
The blockade mirrors similar protests countrywide and in Ottawa over the past week.
“As of this morning, further action is being taken by the Alberta RCMP as this blockade continues to impede the ability for emergency agencies to provide full services to area residents,” the RCMP said in a statement Tuesday.
“It has also negatively impacted the flow of goods and services, and impedes the public’s freedom of movement.”
A blockade of truckers and others protesting COVID-19 measures at Alberta’s main border crossing into the United States was smaller Tuesday, but developments were threatening to heat up.
The line of commercial trucks, camper vans and other vehicles parked near Coutts, Alta., was shorter than in previous days as temperatures dipped to -20 C.
Anyone standing with his back to the border in the howling winds and blowing snow would come face to face with the headlights of vehicles, two abreast, blocking the highway as far as the eye could see.
Big rigs were also parked horizontally, blocking traffic in both directions. Between lanes, other vehicles and campers were parked haphazardly in the median.
Some vehicles were occupied, engines idling, exhaust fumes swirling in the icy wind. Others sat silent and empty, their drivers seeking comfort and coffee in the nearby Smugglers Saloon.
RCMP in cruisers, flashers and lights blinking, were parked on nearby side roads, ensuring those access points remained open.
Canadian flags flew from some trucks. Others sported upside down Maple Leafs and homemade signs and placards: “True North Strong Proud and Free.” “Mandate Freedom or Liberation is Coming.” “No Fear, Freedom Rules.”
Southbound truckers were being directed by police to turn around 15 kilometres from Coutts.
Mounties said late Monday they had been negotiating without success to end the illegal protest and were prepared to make arrests and tow vehicles if necessary.
“These folks have a right to lawful protest,” said RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters. “I’ve encouraged them to return to that and, if that takes place, there will be no need for those enforcement actions.”
Peters said about half the vehicles that were at the barricade on Sunday – many of which were not part of the protest – had left.
Some demonstrators have told The Canadian Press they have no plans to depart. Protesters have rented out Smugglers Saloon in Coutts to serve as an ad hoc rest centre and gathering spot.
The blockade has stranded cross-border travellers and stalled shipments of consumer goods and supplies, including perishables, in both directions at the Alberta-Montana crossing.
Lovepreet Singh said he arrived in Edmonton from Montana on Tuesday after waiting on the U.S. side of the border with 150 other trucks and a full load of fruit and vegetables for more than two days.
Singh said it was a frustrating wait that put the health of some truckers at risk.
“That’s not how Canadians behave,” said Singh in an interview.
“There are people (that) have medical issues like blood pressure issues, thyroid issues, asthma.”
He said many of those waiting ate pizza every day from a nearby store, while listening to a constant refrain from police to sit tight and wait.
Singh said he eventually detoured through icy roads in British Columbia at a cost of seven extra hours and $400 in gas.
Some truck drivers who left earlier risked driving through snow squalls, he said. One rig hit the ditch.
“We don’t make enough money to survive in these kind of situations,” said Singh.
“It’s even hard for us to pay all the bills and (provide) for our family.”
The protest began Saturday in solidarity with demonstrations countrywide and in Ottawa.
“I want them gone,”’ said Mayor Jim Willett, who added the protest was isolating the village’s 250 residents.
Mail delivery was stopped and some children were forced to stay home from school Monday because their bus could not get into the community.
Willett said the school bus did run Tuesday.
But there have been reports of residents not rexjmtzywceiving at-home medical care for four days, he said. The nearest medical centre is in the neighbouring town of Milk River.
The nearest grocery store, gas station and hospital are only accessible by county roads.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was to speak about the standoff later Tuesday.
He has condemned the blockade and said it’s up to local authorities to enforce provincial legislation that allows for additional penalties against protesters impeding the use of critical infrastructure.
RELATED IMAGESview larger image
Demonstrators gather as a truck convoy blocks the highway the busy U.S. border crossing in Coutts, Alta., on Jan. 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
