Feb. 1 aerial view of highway at Coutts - RCMP

By Dori Modney

RCMP signals action at the Coutts border crossing

Feb 1, 2022 | 1:13 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — ***UPDATE — As of 1:30 Tuesday afternoon, some truckers blockading highway-4 at the Coutts border crossing began to leave the area. Dozens of RCMP officers confronted individuals in the convoy and video footage shows many truck drivers deciding to leave as they risked arrest. However, others decided to meet, decide their next move and then determine they would not be going anywhere. After getting a number of truckers to leave, the RCMP pulled back to also reassess.

After three days of attempting to reason with truckers blocking the Coutts border crossing, RCMP issued the following statement early Tuesday (Feb 1) afternoon:

“What may have begun as a peaceful assembly quickly turned into an unlawful blockade. While Alberta RCMP has been in a position to conduct enforcement, we have been engaged with protesters at the Coutts border crossing in an effort to find a peaceful and safe resolution for all involved. We thought we had a path to resolution, the protesters eventually chose not to comply.

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. It has also negatively impacted the flow of goods and services, and impedes the public’s freedom of movement.”

The RCMP reiterate that a highway is deemed essential infrastructure and it is unlawful to wilfully obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the construction, maintenance, use or operation of any essential infrastructure in a manner that renders the essential infrastructure dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective as per the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act of Alberta.

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“Anyone who actively blocks a highway—or aids, counsels or directs a highway to be blocked—may be subject to arrest and charge under this act.

“Person’s participating in this blockade can expect enforcement of any contraventions of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Traffic Safety Act and Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations at this location and area roadways.”

“This event is not a peaceful assembly and Alberta RCMP will use any necessary measures to protect the fundamental freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, to promote the safety of all citizens, to enforce laws and to maintain peace and order.”

“In turn, it must be recognized that while everyone has a right to peaceful freedom of expression; the general public, local residents and businesses also have the right to a safe environment and freedom of movement.”

RCMP advise commercial vehicles to contact the Canada Border Services Agency for further information regarding border crossings.

READ MORE: Coutts mayor frustrated with convoy, but “no problems” with protestors in village

READ MORE: Alberta truckers hit provincial roads to support compatriots in Ottawa

Aerial view of Coutts blockade — Provided by RCMP