Alberta Premier Jason Kenney -- Image from Government of Alberta

By LNN Staff

Tuesday Update

Kenney says protesters assaulting RCMP officers at Coutts border

Feb 1, 2022 | 5:43 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta’s Premier Jason Kenney is stating the protesters at the Coutts border crossing are assaulting RCMP officers asking them to leave.

In a YouTube live stream, Kenney says he was notified of officers almost being rammed by a vehicle driven by a protester.

“I have also received reports in the last hour of people allied with protesters assaulting RCMP officers including one instance trying to ram members of the RCMP later leading to a collision with a civilian vehicle.”

“This kind of conduct is totally unacceptable.”

The press conference can be found below.

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The premier is advising members of the public to steer clear of the area saying, “please do not further intensify an already difficult situation.”

LNN has been notified of separate road blockages near Nobleford and South of Fort Macleod as of 5:00 pm Tuesday.

RCMP reiterates that a highway is deemed essential infrastructure and it is unlawful to willfully obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the construction, maintenance, use or operation of any essential infrastructure in a manner that renders the essential infrastructure dangerous, useless, inoperative, or ineffective as per the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act of Alberta.

“Anyone who actively blocks a highway—or aids, counsels, or directs a highway to be blocked—may be subject to arrest and charge under this act.

“Person’s participating in this blockade can expect enforcement of any contraventions of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Traffic Safety Act and Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations at this location and area roadways.”

“This event is not a peaceful assembly and Alberta RCMP will use any necessary measures to protect the fundamental freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, to promote the safety of all citizens, to enforce laws, and to maintain peace and order.”

Additional details will be included when they are made available.