Premier Stefanson and Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen released this statement late in the day, Feb. 15:
We have been guided by the ongoing law enforcement efforts of Manitoba’s RCMP throughout the situation at the Emerson border crossing and are encouraged by reports that those efforts seem to be producing a peaceful resolution.
We commend the expert and professional management of the provincial RCMP in respectfully de-escalating this situation without the use of force.
As we have consistently advised the federal government, local RCMP have always maintained that they have had all the tools and resources required to manage this situation and develop tactical options. The sweeping effect and unprecedented use of the federal Emergencies Act was not and is not required in Manitoba.
We also continue to call on the federal government to help ease tensions across our nation by clearly communicating a plan and timetable to relax all border measures for the benefit of all Canadians, including the mandate for truckers, and by collaboratively re-engaging with the U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration on these overdue goals.
On behalf of all Manitobans, we thank all law enforcement personnel for their tireless efforts in keeping Manitobans safe.
