Manitoba’s premier isn’t comfortable with the use of additional force to end protests at the Emerson, Man., border crossing or in the city of Winnipeg.
In a statement released Feb. 14, Heather Stefanson said she had spoken with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers.
Stefanson remains confident that the RCMP and City of Winnipeg police can control the protesters in Manitoba, who want vaccine mandates and other pandemic restrictions to end.
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“I am not currently satisfied the Emergencies Act should be applied in Manitoba. Winnipeg’s situation is dramatically different from the one in Ottawa. The Emerson border situation is very different than the one faced in Windsor,” Stefanson said.
“In my view, the sweeping effects and signals associated with the never-before-used Emergencies Act are not constructive here in Manitoba, where caution must be taken against overreach and unintended negative consequences.”
Media reports suggest the prime minster wants to use the Emergencies Act, which authorizes special temporary measures to ensure safety and security, to end border protests in Manitoba and Alberta, along with the ongoing protest in Ottawa. That could mean bringing in the military, to remove protestors at multiple locations in Canada.
Since Feb. 10, a group of 50-75 vehicles, including trucks, tractors and other ag equipment, have been at the Emerson border crossing with the United States. They have blocked traffic going in both directions at the border, but some vehicles (including livestock trucks) have been allowed past the blockade.
The Emerson crossing connects Highway 75 to Interstate 29 and is the primary route for hundreds of Manitoba truckers, who transport goods, livestock, grain and other commodities into the U.S.
Eight agricultural organizations, including the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and the Canadian Pork Council, have called for an end to the border blockades in Canada and “for all levels of government to work collaboratively towards action to reinstate integral transport and trade corridors.”
The ag groups estimated that $137 million in ag commodities and food move through the Canada-U.S. border each day.
Stefanson, though, believes the RMCP in Manitoba are in control of the Emerson protest and they should continue to handle the situation.
“I am being briefed on a daily basis by Manitoba Justice officials, who are in regular and ongoing communication with law enforcement. These agencies remain satisfied that they have all the tools necessary, and they have full tactical control over operations,” she said.
Protesters, who oppose pandemic mandates and restrictions, have gathered near Manitoba’s legislature for about 10 days.
Stefanson added it’s time for the protests at the Emerson border crossing and in Winnipeg to end.
“Unlawful action — blockades that disrupt borders and critical infrastructure and impair trade, jobs and our economy, or that unduly infringe the rights of neighbours and communities — cannot be tolerated.”
Contact robert.arnason@producer.com
