A major border crossing at Coutts, Alberta. is snarled by traffic over truck drivers taking part in a nationwide protest against vaccination mandates and COVID-19 rules and Premier Jason Kenney says it’s against the law.
511 Alberta reported Sunday morning that the southbound lanes from Highway 4 to Highway 501 are closed due to heavy traffic.
The closure affects the route to the US border, officials said.
The Alberta RCMP has also issued its own advisory on the issue, advising drivers of the closure and asking them to stay away for the time being.
“Traffic is not moving north or south,” The RCMP said on Twitter.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says the border crossing itself is still open, but travelers going there “should expect significant delays” on Sunday.
“Travellers are advised to use other entry points and consult the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services confirm hours of service before departing,” the CBSA said in a statement. “The CBSA thanks travelers for their cooperation and patience.
While traffic is the main problem, many drivers who are already at the border, trying to get through, are stuck where they are.
On social media, people are sharing their concerns over the action, which many are calling a “blockade”.
Others were both critical of and very supportive of some people who attended the protest, such as UCP MP Grant Hunter, who represents the Taber-Warner constituency.
Hunter posted event details on their Facebook page, saying he did it to illustrate to his grandchildren “the importance of standing up for freedom and freedom”.
Meanwhile, others are also worried about the impediment to essential services trying to navigate the region.
“VIOLATES ALBERTA’S HIGHWAY SAFETY LAW”
Premier Jason Kenney has denounced the actions of those involved in the protest near Coutts, saying they violated provincial laws.
“This causes significant inconvenience to legal motorists and could dangerously impede the movement of emergency service vehicles,” he added. wrote on Twitter.
He also reiterated statements he made last week about all Canadians having a “democratic right to participate in lawful protests,” but halted creating dangers for others.
Although he mentioned Alberta’s Highway Safety Act by name, he said his government’s Critical Infrastructure Defense Act provides “additional penalties” for police and prosecutors in the event of a blockade.
The Critical Infrastructure Defense Act was created to deal with situations where protesters compromise critical economic infrastructure.
Penalties include a minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000, plus up to six months in jail for individuals and a minimum fine of $10,000 and a maximum of $200,000 for corporations.
Kenney said he would continue to let police and border agents make enforcement decisions.
ALBERTA’S LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION ALSO RESPONDS
Rachel Notley, leader of the Alberta NDP, said Sunday that her party “unequivocally condemns” the blockade at the border as well as the symbols of hate and vandalism at other similar protests this weekend.
In a statement, she said the traffic disruption on Highway 4 is particularly troubling given how it will affect navigation.
“The blocking of emergency vehicles for Albertans in need and the disruption of the flow of vital goods through our main transportation corridor is both dangerous and shameful. It puts lives at risk, hurts our economy and hurts families. To put it bluntly, a small group first claiming to be concerned about the possibility of grocery shortages has certainly caused them now,” she wrote.
It is unclear when the highway will be cleared for travel.
“Coffeeaholic. Lifelong alcohol fanatic. Typical travel expert. Prone to fits of apathy. Internet trailblazer.”