The New Brunswick legislature in Fredericton. (Image: Brad Perry)
Fredericton police are preparing for a demonstration against COVID-19 mandates outside of the provincial legislature.
The so-called freedom convoy is expected to begin Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday, with organizers promising to “gridlock” the city.
But police said they are steps to keep that gridlock from happening while giving people the right to peacefully protest.
Barricades were set up on some streets Thursday in anticipation of the demonstration, and police said they will have checkpoints in place to stop trucks from heading to the protest.
“There could be delays at major intersections and on key routes as we try to limit the impact of any planned action. Any planned deliveries to businesses will be permitted with a valid manifest,” the police force said in an email Thursday.
Police said they also have support from other municipal police agencies, the RCMP, and the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
“While we respect the right to peacefully protest, the police’s priority remains protecting public safety and reducing the risk to key infrastructure. Our goal is to ensure that the impact on residents and businesses is minimized,” said the force.
“Any planned ‘gridlock’ of roads or streets within the jurisdiction will be enforced under Municipal Bylaws, Provincial Motor Vehicle Act, the EMA Mandatory Order, and the Criminal Code if necessary.”
Effective immediately, Queen St, between the Cenotaph & St. John St is closed to vehicle traffic. Our goal is to limit impacts to our roads, residents & businesses in advance of an anticipated protest this weekend.
Please avoid the protest area unless absolutely necessary.
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— Fredericton Police (@CityFredPolice) February 10, 2022
Earlier this week, the premier announced new fines under the mandatory order for people who use a vehicle or other object to block any road or highway in the province.
Individuals could face fines of up to $10,000 per offence while corporations could be fined up to $100,000.
The fines also apply to anyone who is “participating in, financing, organizing, or aiding” any blockade, which includes delivering fuel, food, drink, or other supplies to those involved.
“People have a right to protest, but we have to take the safety of all New Brunswickers into consideration,” Higgs said on Wednesday, noting that the measures are similar to those taken in other jurisdictions.
In anticipation of the demonstration and its potential traffic impacts, the Anglophone West School District closed four schools in downtown Fredericton on Friday: Connaught Street Elementary School, Priestman Street Elementary School, Montgomery Street Elementary School, and George Street Middle School.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Fredericton is calling for this weekend’s demonstration in her city to remain peaceful.
“I don’t want what happened in Ottawa to happen. I don’t want it to happen here in Fredericton. Fredericton has done nothing to call for this disruptive behaviour that incites divisiveness,” Kate Rogers said during a news conference Thursday.
Rogers said Fredericton is peaceful, kind, and thoughtful, and does not support acts that make it lesser than.
She said the city is doing everything it can to keep residents safe and businesses running, adding she understands there is worry within the community.
“Our togetherness and our approach to working together, the way that we collaborate, the way that we cooperate with each other, that’s our greatest assets. So I would say, rest assured that we will get through his together.”
This morning, the @CityFredPolice held a media scrum. I joined Chief Roger Brown and spoke to media in #Fredericton about the possible convoy planned for this weekend. Here is part of my official statement to media: pic.twitter.com/MlavaTcKT9
— Kate Rogers (@MayorKateRogers) February 10, 2022
