This is getting interesting....
'VIOLATES ALBERTA TRAFFIC SAFETY ACT'
Premier Jason Kenney denounced the actions of those individuals involved in the protest near Coutts, saying they were in violation of provincial laws.
"It is causing significant inconvenience for lawful motorists and could dangerously impede movement of emergency service vehicles," he
wrote on Twitter.
He also reiterated statements he made last week about all Canadians having a "democratic right to engage in lawful protests", but drew the line at creating hazards for others.
While he mentioned the Alberta Traffic Safety Act by name, he said his government's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act provides "additional penalties" for police and prosecutors to address blockades.
The Critical Infrastructure Defence Act was created to address situations where protesters impair critical economic infrastructure.
Punishments include a minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000, plus up to six months in jail for individuals and and a minimum fine of $10,000 and a maximum of $200,000 for corporations.
Kenney said he will continue to leave it up to police and border agents to make enforcement decisions.
ALBERTA OPPOSITION LEADER ALSO RESPONDS
Rachel Notley, leader of the Alberta NDP, said Sunday her party "unequivocally condemns" the blockade at the border as well as the symbols of hate and vandalism at other similar protests this weekend.
In a statement, she said the traffic disruption on Highway 4 is particularly troubling considering how it will affect shipping.
"The blockade of emergency vehicles to Albertans in need, and the disruption in the flow of vital goods through our major transportation corridor, is both dangerous and disgraceful. It puts lives at risk, hurts our economy, and hurts families. To put it bluntly, a small group first claiming to be concerned about the possibility of grocery shortages have now most assuredly caused them," she wrote.
It's not known when the highway will be cleared for travel.
