Lanes Open in Both Directions at Alberta Border Protest

Protesters demonstrating against COVID-19 mandates gather as a truck convoy blocks the highway at the U.S. border crossing in Coutts, Alta., Canada, on Feb. 2, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

Protesters using their trucks and cars to block the main U.S. border crossing in Coutts, Alberta have made some room to allow traffic through.

One lane in each direction has been cleared as protesters moved their vehicles over to the right side of Highway 4 after an agreement for a partial pullback was reached on Feb. 2.

The vehicles had initially blocked the path since Jan. 29 in solidarity with the trucker convoy that had driven to Ottawa to protest COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. The protest in southern Alberta has now entered its sixth day.

Chad Williamson, a lawyer who represents the protesters, said the truckers “finally feel like their message has been heard.”

“That doesn’t mean the protest is over, but it signals what we hope to be ongoing cordial efforts to address the concerns of the people who have been involved in the movement down here in Coutts,” said Williamson in an interview with The Canadian Press on Feb. 2.

Meanwhile, another blockade has been set up 18 kilometres to the north near Milk River. A long line of RCMP vehicles has blocked off the highway as hundreds of vehicles continued to gather on both sides of the highway with their horns blaring.

In its latest update, the RCMP said travel was still impeded in the area, though the reopening of Highway 4 from Milk River to the border has made progress. They said motorists situated at the northern part of the highway can expect the Mounties to escort them to the border.

“We continue to work with the blockade participants to re-establish safe passage,” the RCMP said on Twitter on Feb. 2.

“Due to ongoing protest activity and congestion that could endanger the safety of the officers and the public, these escorts will continue until further notice. Travellers should still continue to avoid the area due to anticipated long delays.”

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

Police said some vehicles left peacefully but others, including tractors, sped through police roadblocks to join the blockade. Police also said two vehicles crashed head-on, resulting in an assault, but police reported no significant injuries.

On Feb. 1, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said he had been briefed that Mounties were being swarmed and assaulted and there had been an attempt to ram a police cruiser.

The RCMP has not confirmed Kenney’s statement. The premier’s office declined to say where or how it received the information.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.