Mounties prevent carbon tax demonstrators from blocking highway over safety concerns
Police prevented carbon tax protesters from disrupting traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway on Tuesday, citing safety concerns.
In a news release, RCMP said their impartial role in the protest is ensuring the public's right to a safe environment while protecting the demonstrators' rights to a safe, peaceful and lawful demonstration.
“We do not take enforcement action lightly, but the safety of motorists, protesters and a traveller's right to use a public highway must be maintained. It is extremely unsafe to stand or impede traffic on a public roadway,” say RCMP.
A day earlier, one lane of the highway west of Calgary near the intersection with Highway 22 was cordoned off with pylons to accommodate the protesters.
Several RCMP vehicles, both marked and unmarked, were observed near demonstrations on Tuesday.
RCMP advised protesters that officers will be on location to ensure demonstrators remain off the highway and do not impede traffic.
Five large farm tractors caused a multi-vehicle collision en route to an approved protest site in the Crowsnest Pass region Monday afternoon. RCMP say the incident is a reminder that protesting on a highway is not safe.
One of several protests that began across the country on Monday in response to the increased federal carbon tax, organizers say they'll continue until the tax is rescinded.
Alberta's Critical Infrastructure
Defence Act protects essential infrastructure — such as highways — from damage or interference caused by blockades or protests.
The federal tax increased from $65 per tonne of emissions to $80, which equates to a 3.3-cent increase per litre at the pump.
The provincial gas tax was reinstated at nine cents per litre in January, and subsequently brought up to the full 13 cents per litre on Monday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says critics are ignoring the quarterly rebate cheques that families receive: $225 for a single person, $337.50 for a couple and $450 for a family of four in Alberta.
The next federal rebates are due April 15.