Statement on Blockades at the Coutts Border Crossing, and Elsewhere in Alberta

Barry Morishita, Alberta Party Leader 

The highway blockades affecting the Coutts international border crossing and other localized protests are being watched closely by many Albertans. The Coutts blockade is a tricky and evolving situation that is changing by the hour. 

At issue is the trade-off between the right to assemble and/or protest versus personal rights for all people. 

The Coutts blockade is impeding the free movement of residents in the area and stopping the flow of economic activity through the international border crossing.

I do believe that the heart of our democracy is the ability to call out when we see governments working at cross-purposes to our desires, but that ability to protest and draw attention to our concerns is bound by our social contract with one another - that exercising my rights does not infringe on your rights. 

The group blocking the provincial highway to the Coutts border needs to stand down.

Your actions are hurting other Albertans, our economy, and the ability of many of your fellow Albertans to work and do their jobs.

This blockade must be addressed now and removed. 

I call on the Premier and his Cabinet to act to stop all illegal activity immediately. 

It is time to put aside politics and do what is right for Alberta: end the blockade.  

From my experience as a mayor and community builder, I know that bringing together leaders to collaborate on solutions works. As the leader of the Alberta Party, I will encourage our dialogue. 

Now is the time to engage in a collective, collaborative approach to leadership that results in the end of this blockade. 

I am ready to assist the Premier to find this solution.