There’s frustration along parts of the Canada U.S. border yesterday night over protests supporting the convoy in Ottawa.
Trucker demonstrations are causing delays and disruptions near crossings in Emerson, Manitoba, along with Coutts, Alberta.
As the reporter described, there’s still a large crowd blocking the highway that leads to the border.
But Royal Canadian Mounted Police(RCMP) said the group is getting smaller, so for now, they’re focusing on negotiation.
This blockade started Saturday as part of the nationwide protests against Covid-related health measures.
It has essentially shut down the Coutts border crossing, one of western Canada’s busiest, causing frustration for people trying to cross the border.
As one of the truck driver said: “We get paid by the mile. So if you’re not moving, you’re not making any money.”
It’s also having an economic impact. The meat council of Canada says trucks hauling Canadian beef are stuck, unable to cross to the U.S..
Another major border crossing between Manitoba and the U.S. has been clogged by a similar protest.
As another truck driver said: “It’s my choice to get vaccinated or not. I have no problem with someone doing it. But no one’s going to force me or you to do it.”
In Alberta, RCMP say some progress has been made that about one hundred vehicles or half of the total have been removed.
Most of those were not protesters, but people who got stuck when the blockade started.
Police are now trying to talk the protesters into moving and say they’ll escalate those efforts if they have to.
RCMP Corporal Curtis Petres said: “I believe that the actions of earlier today with those trucks moving on. I believe that is progress forward into the negotiations and in making this come to a peaceful end. I hope that continues. That is our goal. If it comes to enforcement action, we will take that action.”
Reporter tried to speak to some of the protesters, but they were unwilling, and on multiple occasions told them to leave.
Some journalists say they’ve also been threatened.
Now RCMP have not given a timeline when they could move in and forcefully shut this down, but extra resources have been brought in, including tactical teams and tow trucks.
Resource: CTV News