Premier cautions against use of Emergencies Act Protesters outside legislature to scale down demonstration By: Carol Sanders Posted: 7:00 PM CST Monday, Feb. 14, 2022 Last Modified: 6:42 PM CST Monday, Feb. 14, 2022 Updates

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Premier Heather Stefanson has called for an end to anti-mandate protests in Manitoba, but says she’s opposed to invoking the federal Emergencies Act to deal with them.

“We need to think very carefully and clearly before going in that direction,” Stefanson said at a news conference Monday, after speaking with the other premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“What we don’t want to do is escalate situations,” she said. “My concern about invoking something along those lines is that could be the case.”

Although she said in a statement earlier in the day “blockades that disrupt borders and critical infrastructure and impair trade, jobs and the economy, or that unduly infringe the rights of neighbours and communities — cannot be tolerated,” her Tory government isn’t prepared to ticket or impound vehicles blocking roadways.

Nor does it support the federal government invoking the Emergencies Act with broad and sweeping powers to get rid of blockades.

“What we don’t want to do is escalate situations. My concern about invoking something along those lines is that could be the case.”
— Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson

“We have to trust our law enforcement, (that) they are doing their job,” Stefanson said, blaming the federal government for the unrest.

“I think we have seen action at the Emerson border where some trucks are getting through now. I am satisfied that we are continuing to move forward on that front through peaceful negotiations,” she said.

“This all started as a result of (COVID-19) vaccine mandates to the trucking industry, and that has not been helpful,” the premier said. “We’ve called on the federal government to develop a plan (for) what is going to happen to the border.

“We’re wondering what the federal government is doing to eliminate those restrictions at the border.”

The Manitoba government announced Feb. 11 it is lifting most proof of vaccination and mask requirements weeks ahead of schedule.

The premier noted organizers of the Winnipeg protest that began Feb. 4 near the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building have since said they’re packing up.

The anti-mandate protest organizers announced Monday the legislature “is no longer the most appropriate location for our advocacy.” In a statement, they said a number of truckers would remain to bring attention to federal mandates that remain in place but intend on “further reducing disruptions to residents in the area.”

(As of Jan. 22, the U.S. government requires all non-Americans crossing at land and ferry terminals — including long-haul truckers — to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and to provide proof.)

On Monday, big rigs continued blocking the main entrance of the legislature, while sign-waving protesters blasted classic rock at lunch time and trucks continued to occupy Memorial Boulevard.

“This all started as a result of vaccine mandates to the trucking industry, and that has not been helpful.”– Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson

Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew said the province gave into the protesters and has no bargaining power left.

“I worry about the long-term ramifications and precedent of the premier simply catering to the convoy,” Kinew told reporters.”What do you have left to negotiate? You already gave them everything they want.”

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said the Progressive Conservatives have “completely abandoned any responsibility for maintaining law and order in this province,” so the federal government had to act.

“We’re negotiating with people who only want one thing: to overthrow the federal government and remove every single public health measure,” Lamont said.

“I’m convinced the PCs are part of it and they’re basically endorsing insurrection in Manitoba, in Canada.”

“I worry about the long-term ramifications and precedent of the premier simply catering to the convoy, What do you have left to negotiate? You already gave them everything they want.”
– NDP leader Wab kinew

An RCMP spokesperson said the situation at the Emerson port of entry remained unchanged Monday.

“Our negotiators are speaking with the organizers today in an attempt to open up a lane of traffic to allow vehicles to cross in both directions,” RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre said midday Monday.

No arrests have been made and no tickets issued, Manaigre said. There remain approximately 75 vehicles involved in the blockade, he noted.

Earlier, Manitoba’s transportation minister said he wants to see a blockade at the U.S. border crossing come to an end through talks with protesters before taking measures to disperse farm equipment and trucks involved.

Doyle Piwniuk, who is responsible for the province’s Emergency Measures Organization, said a five-day-long blockade at the Canada-United States border on Highway 75 is costing the trucking industry, and implored protesters to allow cross-border trade to resume.

“It is affecting trade and we would encourage them to have their peaceful demonstrations but let our truckers that are going down to the States and our industry continue with their work, because it’s so important,” Piwniuk said during a news conference Monday morning.

The Turtle Mountain MLA said the blockade at the Emerson crossing differs from the one that halted cross-border trade in Windsor, Ont., and closed the Ambassador Bridge.

Traffic has now resumed at the Ontario crossing after police cleared protesters from the area Sunday.

Piwniuk said cross-border traffic can continue to flow near the International Peace Garden, about 230 kilometres west of Emerson, and at the crossing at Gretna.

— with files from Danielle Da Silva

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca