RCMP clears protesters, ending blockade at N.S.-N.B. border (update)

By Mark Hodgins

Traffic is flowing freely on the Trans Canada Highway on Thursday morning after police cleared a day-long protest near the border between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 

RCMP say three people were arrested when they cleared the illegal blockade on Hwy. 104 between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday. 

They've been charged with mischief.

“Liaison officers attempted to engage in a meaningful dialogue in the hopes of achieving a peaceful resolution,” said Mounties in a news release. “When it became clear that this could not be met through dialogue, additional officers were deployed.”

The highway reopened in both directions by 10:20 p.m.

 A small number of protestors had also been blocking Hwy. 366 in Tidnish, but police say they've left the area. 

There continues to be an RCMP presence at the provincial border today.

The border blockade created chaos on Wednesday, impacting healthcare in the Amherst area and prompting calls from politicians and industry leaders for the closure to end. 

“The RCMP respects the Charter right of all Canadians to peacefully assemble, however blockading a highway is a criminal offence and this type of action will not be tolerated,” Mounties added.

The Atlantic premiers had a phone call on Wednesday to discuss solutions to the travel restrictions that prompted the border protest. 

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