When it comes to protests during the pandemic, Mounties say their role is always to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
New Brunswick RCMP spokesperson Corporal Hans Ouellette says their role is to maintain order and keep the peace.
“Enforcement cannot be viewed as that primary means of managing this complex situation whether it’s the pandemic response or protests.”
During a protest against lockdowns and vaccine mandates in downtown Moncton on Sunday, many in attendance were not wearing masks or physically distancing,
But RCMP say no arrests were made and no tickets were issued.
During another demonstration over vaccine mandates for truckers on Sunday at the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border, again there were no arrests made and no tickets were issued.
However, Ouellette says there was one incident involving a vehicle rear-ending an RCMP cruiser with its lights on.
“One RCMP member was transported to hospital along with the driver of the other vehicle. The last I heard both have been treated for minor injuries and have since been released.”
While protestors occupied the right-hand lane of the Trans-Canada Highway at the border, other drivers could pass.
Ouellette says it is a criminal offence to block a highway and he adds any criminal action would not be tolerated.
