Truckers who had been blocking a key border crossing between Alberta and Montana since Saturday began lifting their blockade on Tuesday after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) threatened to crack down on them.
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Exceeded by a blockade of truckers opposed to the vaccine mandates which drags on Highway 4 in Coutts, very close to the border, the RCMP announced Tuesday that it intended to crack down and issue fines to demonstrators who obstruct traffic.
This threat bore fruit, reported local media, which saw some trucks leaving the scene in the afternoon, following the announcement.
Although customs are still open, in practice it is very difficult to access them, while even emergency vehicles struggled to circulate in the area.
Since the beginning of the demonstration, the RCMP had favored mediation with the truckers, but they still refused to end the blockade.
“As of this morning, the Alberta RCMP are taking further action as this blockade continues to prevent emergency agencies from providing full services to area residents. It also has a negative impact on the movement of goods and services, and hinders the freedom of movement of the public,” the RCMP said.
“Persons who participate in this blocking can also expect that any violations of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Traffic Safety Act and the Road Use and Traffic Rules the road (Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations) be enforced at this location and on roads in the region,” added the federal police.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney called on Sunday for an end to the blockade, while hinting that the police could crack down on protesters.
For her part, Transport Minister Rajan Sawhney said Monday that between 50 and 100 truckers were stuck on the US side of the border due to the blockade. “Some have not eaten, others have health problems,” she lamented on Twitter.