The Coutts border blockade has quickly turned into an “unlawful blockade,” RCMP said in a release..“What may have begun as a peaceful assembly quickly turned into an unlawful blockade,” said the statement..“We thought we had a path to resolution, the protesters eventually chose not to comply. As of this morning, further action is being taken by the Alberta RCMP as this blockade continues to impede the ability for emergency agencies to provide full services to area residents.”.RCMP said it remains committed to “preserve the peace and maintain public safety at the Coutts border crossing.”.Claiming the blockade has negatively impacted the transportation of goods and services as well as the “freedom of movement” for people, RCMP said the obstruction is unlawful..“It is unlawful to willfully obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the construction, maintenance, use or operation of any essential infrastructure in a manner that renders the essential infrastructure dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective as per the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act of Alberta.”.RCMP indicated any person participating in the blockade “may be subject to arrest and charged under this act,” and warn protestors to expect the “enforcement of any contraventions of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Traffic Safety Act and Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations at this location and area roadways.”.“The Alberta RCMP uses necessary measures to protect the fundamental freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, to promote the safety of all citizens, to enforce laws and to maintain peace and order,” said the statement..“In turn, it must be recognized that while everyone has a right to peaceful freedom of expression; the general public, local residents and businesses also have the right to a safe environment and freedom of movement.”.Alberta RCMP said the event is “not a peaceful assembly” and suggest all commercial vehicles contact Canada Border Services Agency for further information regarding border crossings. .The Western Standard contacted RCMP for further clarity on the claim the event is no longer peaceful but was unable to reach anyone for comment..More to come….Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
