One-third of the population seems to be driving the public discourse right now, making policy in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, writes columnist Max Fawcett.
Alberta RCMP officers were met with anger and chants on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, as they attempted to persuade protesters camped at a United States border crossing to move to another location.
Kenney said strong vaccination rates, declining hospital cases and a continued drop in the spread of the Omicron variant make it possible to end the passport.
Horgan's comments came Tuesday as some provinces announced plans to remove many COVID-19 restrictions, including Saskatchewan, which is dropping its vaccine passports and won't renew its indoor mask mandate, while many of Quebec's restrictions will be gradually removed by March 14.
"We're here for the big picture. It started with the border thing, it started with Trudeau and until Trudeau moves, we don't move," said John Vanreeuwyk, a feedlot operator from Coaldale, Alta.
Premier Jason Kenney says his government will announce next week a date to end Alberta's COVID-19 vaccine passport, as well as a phased approach to ending almost all COVID-19 health restrictions by the end of the month, provided the pressure on hospitals continues to decline.
Conservative governments have traditionally prided themselves on refusing to negotiate with terrorists, but the UCP seems more than happy to do it here, writes columnist Max Fawcett.
Chad Williamson, a lawyer representing the protesters, said they were opening one lane of Highway 4 in each direction. Demonstrators followed through in the early afternoon, vehicle tires grinding on the hard-packed snow as they departed.
In documents filed Wednesday, the groups allege Kenney deliberately twisted the findings of a public inquiry into their funding and whether they were conspiring to landlock Alberta oil by spreading misinformation about its environmental impacts.
The Canada Border Services Agency said the U.S. border crossing at Coutts, Alta., has remained open despite the blockade on Highway 4, but RCMP say only foot traffic is able to get through.
