Farnworth says B.C. supports invoking Emergencies Act to deal with vaccine mandate protests

Protests against COVID-19 mandates in British Columbia have been loud, but mostly lawful, the province's solicitor general said Monday.

Mike Farnworth also said the province supports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in using the Emergencies Act to deal with protests that are holding other parts of the country "economic hostage."

Trudeau spoke with the premiers Monday about using the act, which would give the federal government temporary and extraordinary powers to curtail the demonstrations.

In response to questions at a news conference about insurance policies, Farnworth said there have been a number of protests in B.C., including around the legislature in Victoria, but police have been doing their job.

The Pacific Highway border crossing near Surrey remained open Monday, but the Canada Border Services Agency said the highway leading to the border was still blocked by police. Travellers and truckers are being diverted to neighbouring borders crossings.

Four people were arrested Sunday for mischief at the Pacific Highway protests against COVID-19 mandates.

Brian Edwards, the officer in charge of Surrey RCMP, said in a statement Monday that he was at the protests this weekend, where some vehicles broke through police barricades and began driving the wrong way down a road.

"I understand the frustration of the public who wish to see this situation end," said the statement. "I want to assure our community that I am committed to seeing this situation resolved safely, peacefully and as soon as possible."

Protesters 'disruptive' toward daycare provider

The continued presence of protesters has led to some businesses near the border facing threats and antagonistic behaviour.

Sandra Christian, the president of Creative Kids Learning Centre near the border crossing, said the daycare had been experiencing loud music, honking and air horns all week.

"It's extremely disruptive for our children, especially our families, and of course our staff," she told Stephen Quinn, host of CBC's The Early Edition on Monday.

Christian said her staff have been yelled at and sworn at all week, and some protesters were pulling on the doors of the childcare centre at night.

"I think one of the worst things for us was we actually got an email to our website with somebody who said, 'What kind of idiot builds and runs a daycare on the highway by the border? Quit your whining about things'," she said.

She adds protesters have taken up all of the parking, making it difficult for parents to pick up and drop off their children — who are asking questions.

"They're all just kind of wondering what's going on, it's so distracting ... the children are just kind of confused and they feel uncomfortable and nervous."

Truckers face delays

Police said in the statement they are working with other RCMP units and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Farnworth, who is also the public safety minister, said his ministry is ensuring police have the resources they need.

"Our expectation is the police enforce the law, and that is what they're doing," he said.

The Pacific border is the main crossing for truckers in the province. Highway cameras on Monday showed long lines of commercial trucks at the Aldergrove and Sumas border crossings further east of Surrey.

Dave Earle, the president of the B.C. Trucking Association, said the closure is causing inconvenience, but it's minor compared to the impacts that fires and floods had in the province last year.

"What we are hearing from our members is it is taking a little longer but it's not insurmountable by any stretch of the imagination," he said. "Of all the disruptions that we've had in the past year, this is the least problematic."