RCMP say charges to come from Coutts blockade

He says the goal of the RCMP at the blockade thus far has been to find a resolution, not to increase volatility and violence. But Zablocki also admitted there are concerns actions against the blockade could spark violence.

“People are on this roadway because they feel they have cause to uh, to bring forward. And y’know, if they are dug in on this cause, that can often result in decisions that they might make that are concerning,” the RCMP commander said.

He also says there are about 50 vehicles still participating in the blockade, down from 250 at the start.

Alberta’s acting minister of justice and solicitor general says the blockade has crossed the line and has become intolerable.

Sonya Savage says the action may have started with sincere intentions, but now people need to move on and comply with RCMP.

In a statement, she says the blockade “has severely inconvenienced lawful motorists, prevented commercial goods from reaching their destination, and it has the potential to impede emergency vehicles from reaching people in need of aid.”

Zablocki says RCMP approached tow companies about moving the vehicles. He says tow companies would not comply for fear that helping would damage their businesses in the future.

The blockade at Alberta’s busiest border crossing began on Jan. 29, in support of the “freedom convoy” that arrived in Ottawa the same day.

by Chris Brown and Darren Rathwell

RCMP say charges to come from Coutts blockade

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