Vehicles blocking Emerson border gone, RCMP says highway is clear

Trucks, farm equipment, and other vehicles blocking the Canada/U.S. border near Emerson, Man., had gone home by noon Wednesday.

RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre spoke with media near the border at Highway 75 and Provincial Road 243 Wednesday morning, and said police escorted the trucks out of the area so the highway can be reopened.

Manaigre said because the protests — in support of an ongoing, larger demonstration by the so-called “Freedom Convoy” in Ottawa — were part of a national issue, RCMP didn’t want to rush in with arrests and to remove vehicles, out of concern that they’d just be replaced by more demonstrators taking their place.

An open dialogue between police and protesters, he said, led to an agreement to end the blockade peacefully.

“Every situation is unique. It’s different. Sometimes, maybe it can be resolved quicker… perhaps with a different outcome, but we felt with the way things were developing here, we needed to take a prudent approach.”

In a statement, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen praised officers for their efforts.

2:29 Trucker protests: Manitoba RCMP sergeant says communication yielded ‘perfect solution’ of no charges, border reopening

“We have been guided by the ongoing law enforcement efforts of Manitoba’s RCMP throughout the situation at the Emerson border crossing and are encouraged by reports that those efforts seem to be producing a peaceful resolution,” the statement said.

“We commend the expert and professional management of the provincial RCMP in respectfully de-escalating this situation without the use of force.”

Ron Koslowsky, vice-president at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, said interruptions to border crossings over the past week have exacerbated existing disruptions to the supply chain.

“Canada’s trade and transportation infrastructure, which is crucial to the lives of Canadians and their livelihoods, must be protected,” Koslowsky said.

2:08 Manitoba border blockade to be over by Wednesday, RCMP say

“The right to protest is an enshrined right which we wholeheartedly support, but it’s never acceptable to hold the jobs and livelihoods of Manitobans at ransom.”

“The crossing is Manitoba’s most important connection to its largest market – the United States. While we are pleased to see a peaceful resolution, it’s critical to note that the blockade affected an estimated $70 million in trade between Manitoba and the U.S. per day.”