Manitoba RCMP are reporting that as of February 16, 2022 at 12pm, the remaining demonstrators blocking the Canada/US border have begun to move out of the area and full access to the Emerson Port of Entry has been now restored. The blockade began on the morning of February 10, 2022.
RCMP coordinated and escorted vehicles out of this area to ensure a safe and orderly departure. This was to ensure the safety of all involved.
“Throughout the past six days, our officers continued to use open communication, and a measured approach to find a peaceful resolution to this situation. This continuous dialogue between our officers and the demonstrators enabled us to reach a resolution yesterday,” said Chief Superintendent Rob Hill, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for the Manitoba RCMP.
The number of vehicles taking part in the blockade has fluctuated throughout the past six days. At its peak, the RCMP estimates there were approximately 75 vehicles.
Through dialogue with the demonstrators last week, emergency vehicles, including police vehicles, as well as some agriculture transports and other critical goods were allowed through the blockade.
Apart from these select vehicles, all four lanes of Highway 75 at Provincial Road 243 remained blocked.
For vehicles that weren’t able to get through, RCMP officers diverted traffic to alternate border crossings in Manitoba.
“This highway is prone to closures due to weather. With blizzards in the winter and flooding in the spring, our officers are well versed in alternate paths of travel for commercial and passenger vehicles.”
Officers will remain in the area today to ensure that the highway and the border to the United States remains open and accessible to all travelers.
“We would like to thank our partners, Canada Border Services Agency and US Customs and Border Protection, as well as our provincial partners at Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure. These agencies provided assistance to the Manitoba RCMP throughout the duration of the blockade to ensure cross country border traffic was accommodated at other ports of entry.”
