Protesters showed their opposition to the federal carbon tax on April 2, 2024. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko / with files from Canadian Press

Police investigate multi-tractor crash near anti-carbon tax protest in Crowsnest Pass

Apr 3, 2024 | 8:53 AM

CROWSNEST PASS, AB – The RCMP is reporting a collision between five tractors during a rally in southwestern Alberta.

Several protests occurred in Western Canada on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, with those in attendance showing their opposition to this month’s increase to the federal carbon tax.

One of those events occurred in Crowsnest Pass with approximately 50 vehicles heading at an approved protest site.

The Crowsnest Pass RCMP says, “En route to the protest site, five large farm tractors caused a multi-vehicle collision. They refused to stop for police when a traffic stop was attempted.”

Officers are continuing to investigate and to identify those involved in the collision.

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While speaking in Calgary on Tuesday, Premier Danielle Smith urged all protesters to keep the demonstrations legal.

“I don’t support it when Extinction Rebellion glues themselves to the street and stops traffic, and I don’t support anyone (else) stopping traffic as well,” Smith says.

“You can protest (but) do it at the side of the road,” she adds. “Don’t interfere with the movement of goods. Don’t interfere with the movement of your neighbours.”

The province has in place the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, which provides added penalties for those who tie up key infrastructure and transportation corridors.

Smith says she will leave it up to police to decide when and if to use the defence act.

Police, in a news release, say safety is paramount.

“We do not take enforcement action lightly, but the safety of motorists, protesters and a travellers’ right to use a public highway must be maintained,” Alberta RCMP said in a news release.

“It is extremely unsafe to stand or impede traffic on a public roadway.

“The RCMP have advised the protesters (at Cochrane, west of Calgary) that we will be in location to ensure they remain off the highway and do not impede the flow of traffic along an extremely busy corridor.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2024.

The Canadian Press

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