Protesters leaving, Emerson border crossing to reopen: RCMP

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This article was published 14/02/2022 (948 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The anti-COVID-19 mandate blockade at the Emerson border crossing will soon disperse, RCMP say.

“We are now confident that a resolution has been reached and that demonstrators will soon be leaving the area and that full access to the Emerson Port of Entry will be restored,” a statement Tuesday attributed to RCMP Chief Supt. Rob Hill reads.

Officers are co-ordinating the departure of the remaining protesters, police said. They expect all will be gone by Wednesday.

The shift comes after the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act on Monday.

It signals a possible move to clampdown on similar protests across the country, but Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson has cautioned against its use in the province.

An anti-mandate demonstration near the Manitoba legislative grounds continued Tuesday, having first set up camp Feb. 4.

“Based on previous experience, enforcement of bylaws and other infractions is an escalation that must be considered in light of many factors,” Winnipeg police said in a news release.

“Enforcement may not achieve the desired results and may negatively impact participants’ behaviour.”

Noise complaints from area residents were the predominant issue police faced during the protests, according to the statement. A total of 154 complaints were filed, but none have been called in since 1 p.m. on Feb 13, police said.