Trucks bound for the U. S. are finally able to pass through Alberta’s blockades

Key Takeaways:

• Gurdeep Chumbur expresses his sympathy for fellow truckers who have taken drastic measures to protest cross-border COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
• Although the main blockade in Coutts, Alta., remains in place, protesters agreed to open one lane on each side of the highway on Wednesday.

Gurdeep Chumbur says he sympathizes with fellow truckers who have taken drastic measures to voice their opposition to cross-border COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

However, he was relieved on Thursday when the 2nd blockade on a highway going to lead to the main border crossing in southern Alberta was lifted, and RCMP ushered some trucks bound for the United States through.

“It feels great, but I have to get back to work.” After receiving permission from the police to proceed down Highway 4, Chumbur said, “I’ve got bills to pay.” “I see, you’re protesting, which is fantastic. Simply choose aside and let us go for it.”

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Chumbur said he was stuck in Montana for four days last weekend and had to reroute to the Roosville Border Crossing in British Columbia before returning to Calgary to pick up another load. He was en route to Utah.

Activists began the blockade on Saturday in solidarity with similar protests in Ottawa and across the country against vaccine mandates and other public health measures.

The standoff stranded tourists and cross-border truckers jeopardized millions of dollars in trade and hampered residents’ access to basic goods and medical services.

After Mounties declared that negotiations to end the standoff had failed and that they were ready to make arrests and tow vehicles, some demonstrators left the main blockade on Tuesday. Some trucks left, but others smashed through a police barrier to join the demonstration.

“There are no hard feelings; I sympathize with them; I understand; however, I am unable to stand and protest,” Chumbur said.

“I have bills to pay.” That’s what it is because I have a small family.”

The main blockade in Coutts, Alta., is still in place, but protesters agreed Wednesday to open 1 lane on each side of the highway.

Early Thursday morning, the RCMP issued a warning that a line of protesters in vehicles, parked just north of the Coutts crossing, had stalled vehicles from traveling south on Highway 4 and requested the public to avoid the area.

Hundreds of vehicles had blocked roads in solidarity with the main blockade, including trucks, tractors, and cars.

As they drove down the highway, many truckers honked their horns.

“Our officers at the roadblock there have been in communication with those obstructing traffic and have been able to facilitate southbound traffic to the border, so it’s looking good right now,” Cpl. Curtis Peters said.

Ryan Kenney drove down to take part in the latest protest on Wednesday.

“I’ve come to support the anti-mandate protest.” Kenney stated, “They need to negotiate with the truckers down at the border.”

“I stayed here overnight and intended to stay until I have to leave.” I’ll be here for a long time.”

Sean Alexander, a Calgary resident, said he decided to come down to show his support.

“We have truckers down here, you have farmers down here, and you have oil and gas workers down here,” he explained. “It’s possible that eighty guys slept on the highway last night.” “None of us are being compensated.”

Source: CTV News

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