Protesters continue blocking at Coutts border crossing | The Canadian News

An RCMP traffic consultanty remained in place Sunday for Highway 4, south of Lethbridge to the Canada-Montana border.

The advice was issued on Saturday when protesters against COVID-19 restrictions blocked the road at the Coutts intersection.

The Canada Border Services Agency has announced while the border remains open, travelers should expect extensive delays.

Travelers are advised to use other ports of access and consult the Guide to CBSA Offices and Services to confirm hours of service before departure.

Protesters also blocked access to the town of Coutts, making it very difficult for emergency personnel to get in and out.

On Sunday morning, RCMP told Global News that an ambulance could use a return track to the village and was on standby in case medical help was needed.

“It’s scary,” said Coutts Mayor Jim Willett. “If we had to bring in fire trucks, there is no way to stand up. And maybe you can run through the back roads and finally get there, but it’s all time and in an emergency, time is very important. ”

Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley issued a statement on Sunday condemning the blockade.

“The blockade of emergency vehicles to Albertans in distress, and the disruption in the flow of essential goods through our main transport corridor, is both dangerous and shameful,” Notley said in the news release.

“It endangers lives, hurts our economy and hurts families. To put it bluntly, a small group that first claimed to be concerned about the possibility of grocery shortages, has now definitely caused it. ”

The NDP said it was appealing to Premier Jason Kenney to expose the blockade and work to restore full access to the Coutts border crossing.

The opposition is also appealing to Kenney to order his MLA for Cardston-Taber-Warner to end his participation in the protest.

Global News has requested a comment from the province.