RCMP have approached a blockade of vehicles that has jammed traffic for days at a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Alberta after warning that those participating in the protest may be subject to arrest Tuesday afternoon.
"As far as I know, the RCMP are telling people they have to move or their vehicles will be towed and they'll be arrested," said Jim Willett, the mayor of Coutts, Alta., located at the border crossing.
"It sounds as if they've decided to bring the situation to an end and to open up our highway again. At least that's what I hope is going on," he told CBC News.
Since Saturday, motorists travelling to and from the United States have been caught in a large blockade of vehicles that choked off Highway 4 near the border crossing.
The demonstration is tied to an ongoing, nationwide protest over federal rules for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated truckers entering Canada from the U.S. The rules took effect last month.
It mandates that truckers who are not fully vaccinated must get a PCR test and quarantine. The United States implemented a similar mandate on Jan. 22 requiring that all U.S.-bound travellers — including truckers — show proof they've had the required shots.
Some trucks pulled away while several others were filmed driving past a barricade set up by RCMP on Tuesday, and after Cpl. Curtis Peters confirmed to CBC News on Tuesday afternoon that enforcement had begun.
Although it is unclear what that enforcement will entail, RCMP said in a press release that as per the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act of Alberta, it is unlawful to wilfully obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the highway's use or operation.
"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," the release read in part.
"Those participating in a blockade can also 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."
The RCMP said the blockade has impeded the ability for emergency agencies to provide full services to Coutts residents, and that it has also negatively impacted the flow of goods and services, and prevents the public's freedom of movement.
"The protestors have received the same press release as media and have gathered to discuss their next steps, so we are in a bit of a holding pattern, but this road is clearing today," RCMP told CBC News.
- Frustration mounts as blockade snarling access to U.S. border continues at Alberta port of entry
- Alberta premier says massive blockade preventing access to U.S. border 'must end'
The release comes after Peters told the Calgary Eyeopener on Tuesday morning that the force had brought in additional resources in case arrests or the towing of vehicles became necessary.
"We have brought in additional resources from all over Alberta to come here, to be prepared in the event that it does come to, you know, arrests and tow trucks and all that," Peters said.
"We'll use them if we need to."
'We've had no violence'
The blockade is made up of both commercial and passenger vehicles that are positioned on Highway 4 near the village of Coutts, Peters said.
It has clogged the border crossing that is an entry point for a wide variety of goods, from foodstuffs to animal feed to farm equipment, and left some truckers stranded in the traffic gridlock.
On Monday, RCMP were able to free 40 or 50 vehicles that Peters described as "victims kind of caught in the mix of this."
"That was one of the objectives for yesterday, to get them freed," Peters said.
WATCH | Anti-vaccine mandate convoy blocks Alberta border crossing:
Anti-vaccine mandate convoy blocks Alberta border crossing
11 hours ago
Duration 1:56
An anti-vaccine mandate convoy has blocked the U.S.-Canada border crossing in Coutts, Alta., for several days, saying they won’t budge until the government overturns a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for truck drivers. 1:56
As the situation drags on, and at a standstill, Peters said that safety of persons — including police, those living in the community of Coutts and the media — is the first priority for RCMP.
"Everybody has a voice here. The protesters want to be heard, they have a voice," Peters said.
"I think they've been heard now. They've made their point. I think it's time for things to move on. But … thus far we've had no violence, and [we'd] like to keep it that way."
UCP says enforcement up to law enforcement, feds
Rebecca Purdy with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said in an emailed statement that travellers are being advised to use other crossings into the United States.
She said that no traffic is being blocked from coming into Canada at other ports of entry — and the CBSA "is ready to respond, with police of local jurisdiction if necessary, to any events impeding operations at ports of entry."
"It is an offence under the Customs Act to hinder the ability of a border services officer to conduct their work," Purdy said.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney called Sunday for the protest to end, saying it is causing "significant inconvenience for lawful motorists."
The blockade violates the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, Kenney said, and he also cited the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act as being among the tools available to the police and prosecutors.
But Kenney has said it's up to local authorities to enforce provincial legislation, which allows for additional penalties against protesters blockading highways and other infrastructure.
In a statement posted to social media on Monday, the UCP's acting justice minister Sonya Savage wrote that questions about the Coutts border blockade are best answered by RCMP and local law enforcement.
"Operational enforcement decisions are the responsibility of police services, and enforcement at the border crossing itself is in part a federal responsibility," Savage's tweets read in part.
But Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal tweeted Tuesday that the federal government has ensured the border crossing remains open, while the protest is blocking a provincial highway.
"I'm calling on the Government of Alberta to immediately address the situation so Highway 4 at Coutts can reopen and trade can get moving again," Chahal tweeted.
At a press conference Tuesday, the province's Official Opposition, the NDP, also called on the UCP to act.
The NDP asked that the government seek an immediate court injunction to clear the blockade.
With fil
