Alberta RCMP uncertain when Coutts border protest will end as protests enter 7th day

An RCMP spokesman says there’s no way to predict when the protest at Alberta’s main border crossing will end but he understands the public’s growing frustration as it drags on.

Protesters began parking trucks and other vehicles last Saturday near the junction at CouttsAlta., Unite with similar events in Ottawa and other locations to protest COVID-19 mandate of vaccines and broader public health measures.

The standoff has stranded travelers and cross-border truckers for days, damaged millions of dollars in trade and hindered people’s access to basic medical goods and services. in the area.

An agreement with the protesters opened up a single lane in both directions on Highway 4, and truckers transporting goods were finally able to cross the border into the United States.

Coutts Mayor Jim Willett has called for the protest to end and said it has cut off village residents from health services.

RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters said he understands why people are upset it’s been almost a week.

“We hear their frustration. I get that,” Peters said Thursday.

“I have spoken many times about how this has affected the town of Coutts and the town of Sweetgrass (Montana). We continue to work to end this problem. “

Peters said he doesn’t know what will happen next in the dispute because each incident is different, nor can he say whether police intend to act to resolve what he calls “the protest.” illegality” or not.

“I don’t have a line in the sand. This is a state of continuous development, isn’t it? This changes minute to minute, hour to hour,” he said.

“One thing that’s been consistent throughout is the ongoing dialogue we’re having.”

2:03
Traffic moves again, but protesters remain at the Alberta-US border

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