Moe implores protesters to respect rights of those crossing borders

For the second straight day, Premier Scott Moe offered his thoughts on protests at Canada-U.S. borders.

But unlike Thursday’s statement, Moe’s comments on social media Friday were aimed at those who are thinking about protesting COVID-19 vaccine mandates at Saskatchewan’s border crossing into the United States.

Moe told people who are considering blocking traffic at the Regway crossing that his government “has heard and understands your concerns.” He pointed out Saskatchewan is planning to remove its remaining public health measures by the end of the month.

But while he once again said peaceful protest was important in Canada, he implored potential protesters to be mindful of others.

“I’m asking you to exercise that right and make your voices heard without impeding the rights of others to cross the border,” Moe wrote.

“You know that the trucks crossing the border are driving our economy by carrying Saskatchewan goods to U.S. markets, and bringing products and materials into this province that we need to run our farms, build our canola crush plants, our potash mines, our forestry mills and every other part of our economy.”

Similar protests have been blocking border crossings in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “everything” is on the table to remove protesters, other than calling in the military.

Later Friday, an Ontario court granted an injunction preventing protesters from blocking the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ont.

Moe reminded potential protesters that the people trying to cross at Regway are their “Saskatchewan friends and neighbours.”

“Don’t advocate for your freedoms by obstructing theirs,” Moe wrote. “So have your voice heard, honk, cheer the trucks on and stand up for what you believe. But as you stand up for your rights and freedoms, do so in a way that respects the rights and freedoms of others.”

On Thursday, the NDP criticized Moe for comments he made on a national broadcast about the truckers’ protests, saying his words are “egging on disruption and uncertainty.”

NDP Economy and Jobs Critic Aleana Young also pointed out Moe’s stance was unacceptable because two years ago, he was “lighting his hair on fire” against blockades on provincial rail lines and demanding they end.

— With files from The Canadian Press