Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released a statement regarding the ongoing protest near the Emerson border crossing.

A group of individuals has set up a blockade of the crossing using a variety of trucks, tractors and farm equipment to block access. According to eyewitnesses, the blockade has stopped the flow of traffic in both the northbound and southbound lanes.

In an emailed statement to PembinaValleyOnline, RCMP have confirmed the Emerson Port of Entry has now been blocked by semi-trailers as well as with farm equipment.

This photo shows a sign placed near the blockade with the phrase "prepare to stop border crossing closed until mandates are lifted"

"We have officers on scene now, and are in the process of opening up a dialogue with the organizer," stated the email noting, as the situation is developing, RCMP expect to have further information later today.

CBSA says it recognizes that border disruptions affect both travellers and industry and is working collaboratively with law enforcement partners to restore normal border operations at affected ports of entry as quickly as possible. The Agency says it is also continuously monitoring changes in demand at identified alternate points of entry and is allocating resources, adjusting staffing levels and hours of service to minimize processing times and potential delays. The CBSA would like to thank all travellers for their collaboration and patience.

CBSA also stresses that ports of entry are secure controlled areas that must not be accessed by anyone not in the process of crossing the border. The Agency also indicates that it is an offense under the Customs Act to hinder the ability of a border services officer while they conduct their work.

While the Emerson port of entry is still open, travellers have been told by CBSA to expect delays due to protest activities in the area. To help keep travellers and trade moving, the CBSA recommends the use of neighbouring ports of entry for all travellers, including trade and commercial carriers. However, not all ports of entry can accommodate commercial traffic. It is recommended that travellers consult the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services to confirm hours of availability of services at the nearest alternate ports of entry.

According to organizers who have contacted PembinaValleyOnline, the protest was set up around 11:30pm Wednesday evening.

The group has sent a letter to the Premier indicating those involved have a list of demands including all pandemic mandates and proof of vaccination methods be ended, social distancing and masking rules among other things related to Provincial COVID-19 efforts also be lifted, as well as the ending of the carbon tax.

Looking into Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Freedom Convoy issued a statement after an emergency city council meeting called by Mayor Brian Bowman, which included the following:

"We understand this is a growing movement across Manitoba and the country, and we are committed to a peaceful gathering at the Legislative Building. We are not affiliated with any other protest groups being held around the province, including the blocking of the Emerson Border Crossing or the student walkout at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. We believe that peaceful protests are an important way of opening dialogue between citizens and government in order to heal division in our communities."

Meanwhile, in Ottawa, Interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen is calling on protesters to take down their blockades of border crossings.

Bergen stood in Parliament Thursday morning to say the time has come for the protesters to end blockades that are hurting farmers, manufacturers, small businesses and families.

She says their anti-vaccine-mandate message has been heard, and promised the Conservatives will support efforts to get the Liberal government to release a plan for ending COVID-19 restrictions.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has all the tools he needs to end the protests and needs to show some leadership. 

With files from the Canadian Press