Editor's note: This story has been updated to use more neutral language.Farmers protesting the federal carbon tax caused a five-tractor crash along a highway in the Crowsnest Pass and then refused to stop for police, the RCMP allege.In a Tuesday press release, the RCMP said on Monday afternoon, an approved protest site in the Crowsnest Pass area saw approximately 50 vehicles gathering.The RCMP said en route to the protest site, five large farm tractors were involved in a multi-vehicle collision and then refused to pull over for officers. An RCMP investigation into the incident continues.The release said the RCMP understands Canadians have the right to peacefully protest, as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "While we respect the right to protest, it is imperative to prioritize the safety of all individuals involved, including motorists and demonstrators," stated an Alberta RCMP spokesperson."Standing or impeding traffic on a public roadway poses significant risks and is unlawful."Meanwhile, Alberta RCMP officers have been actively engaged with demonstrators on Hwy 1, west of Calgary, over the past 24 hours.Tuesday morning, police tac-teams moved in and stood between protesters and the highway.By Wednesday morning, the police had left and many of the protesters had begun to pack up.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to use more neutral language.Farmers protesting the federal carbon tax caused a five-tractor crash along a highway in the Crowsnest Pass and then refused to stop for police, the RCMP allege.In a Tuesday press release, the RCMP said on Monday afternoon, an approved protest site in the Crowsnest Pass area saw approximately 50 vehicles gathering.The RCMP said en route to the protest site, five large farm tractors were involved in a multi-vehicle collision and then refused to pull over for officers. An RCMP investigation into the incident continues.The release said the RCMP understands Canadians have the right to peacefully protest, as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "While we respect the right to protest, it is imperative to prioritize the safety of all individuals involved, including motorists and demonstrators," stated an Alberta RCMP spokesperson."Standing or impeding traffic on a public roadway poses significant risks and is unlawful."Meanwhile, Alberta RCMP officers have been actively engaged with demonstrators on Hwy 1, west of Calgary, over the past 24 hours.Tuesday morning, police tac-teams moved in and stood between protesters and the highway.By Wednesday morning, the police had left and many of the protesters had begun to pack up.
