Coaldale protest -- LNN

By Dori Modney

CBSA temporarily suspends service at Coutts and freedom rally protest converges on Coaldale

Feb 13, 2022 | 11:03 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — As the truckers’ blockade and protest against COVID mandates continues at the Coutts in Southern Alberta, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has suspended service at the border point of entry, effectively shutting down travel between the U.S. and Alberta at that location.

The CBSA issued the following statement:

“The CBSA recognizes border disruptions affect both travellers and industry and we are working to restore normal border operations at this port of entry as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience while we get operations back on track.

The ports of North Portal, and Regway, Sask, Rooseville, BC and Kingsgate, BC are the closest alternative processing sites for commercial traffic. However, due to evolving circumstances and until further notice, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) encourages you to refer to the CBSA Website for information regarding hours of service and commercial servicing at either site in real time.”

Meanwhile, other convoy blockades and protests continued elsewhere in the county.

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Dozens of Albertans found a unique way to protest the vaccine mandates on Saturday (Feb 11) afternoon.

People on horseback shared a section of highway-3 with truckers, tractors, pickups, and even cyclists, as the group made its way from the highway onto the main street of the town, to show support for rallies across the country.

Horses with protesters in Coaldale — LNN

Horse riders take part — LNN

Several people lined the streets of the town cheering as the convoy with the added element passed by.

On Friday Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency that will allow his cabinet to impose $100,000 fines and up to one year in jail as punishments against people who continue to illegally block roads, bridges, walkways and other critical infrastructure.

Both Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned the protesters, who are demanding an immediate end to all COVID-19 pubic health mandates and restrictions, that if they don’t go home the sanctions they face could ruin their lives.

A judge also issued an injunction giving protesters blocking cross-border traffic at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., until 7 p.m. Friday to clear out. However, the deadline came and went with the demonstrators both at the bridge and in Ottawa still vowing to stay put until their demands are met.

Coaldale protest –LNN