RCMP Adds More Officers as it Attempts to Clear Blockade at US-Canada Border

Protesters demonstrating against COVID-19 mandates gather as a truck convoy blocks the highway at the U.S. border crossing in Coutts, Alta., on Feb. 1, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

RCMP has called for more officers to help remove the blockade by trucks and other vehicles at the U.S. border crossing in southern Alberta.

The vehicles have blocked the path in solidarity with trucker convoys that have driven to Ottawa to protest COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. The protest in Alberta has entered its fifth day.

Police were prepared to make arrests on Feb. 1 at the Coutts crossing but say they backed off when there were safety concerns.

Police said some vehicles left peacefully but others, including tractors, sped through police roadblocks to join the blockade.

Police also said there was a head-on crash and a person involved then assaulted another person.

Premier Jason Kenney says he also opposes the vaccine mandate for truckers, but says the blockade is illegal and the protesters should find a lawful way to make their point.

Protesters say they won’t leave until mandates are lifted.

The national movement of truckers began after the federal government imposed a requirement for COVID-19 vaccination for all truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada border. But the movement has since expanded to request for the lifting of all provincial and federal COVID-19 restrictions and mandates.

Other solidarity movements have since started across the country.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report