RCMP Response To Protest Blockade

USPA NEWS - RCMP officers move dozens of protestors to the side of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border on the evening of June 23, 2021. Officers lined up on the roadway to create a barrier between citizens and the highway.

On Wednesday afternoon the RCMP released the following statement in regards to the NS/NB Border blockade, "In light of the ongoing protests and the illegal blockade at the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border, the RCMP has deployed additional resources to the area to help keep the peace and hopefully resolve the situation. The RCMP respects the Charter right of all Canadians to assemble peacefully. However, under S.423(1)(g) of the Criminal Code, blockading a highway is a criminal offence. Our members are trying to balance respecting the protestors' rights with enforcing the law, and they are continuing to engage protestors in meaningful dialogue in the hopes of achieving a peaceful resolution. We are also aware that the ongoing blockade has caused many disruptions on both sides of the border to individuals, businesses and vital services such as health care. We are prepared to change our approach if our dialogue with the protestors is not productive. We are asking people to avoid the area as much as possible, and that everyone in the area remain vigilant. Public safety remains our top priority, and we hope that this situation can be resolved peacefully in the near future."

At around 8 p.m. at least two people were arrested by RCMP  as officers lined up on the roadway to create a barrier between citizens and the highway. After 24 hours of a protest concerning border restrictions began, RCMP  officers moved in to break up a large group of protesters at the main border crossing between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Demonstrators yelled in protest over the move, but most followed police orders and moved to the side of the highway. Story will be updated as more details become available.