New border blockade emerges; feds say more RCMP officers to be deployed

Blockades of two Canada-U.S. border crossings continue, severely hampering trade and halting production at some auto plants, while a core group of protesters carries on its efforts in downtown Ottawa.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino confirmed to reporters before Question Period Thursday that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be sending more resources to end the blockades in Ottawa, Windsor in Ont., and in Coutts, Alta.

Another blockade emerged Thursday at Emerson, Man., and RCMP have been on scene and continue to warn the public to avoid the area.

“I'm pleased to advise that the RCMP are going to be sending additional reinforcements to Ottawa. I can also advise that the RCMP will be sending reinforcements to Windsor, and in addition to that, the RCMP have added additional resources in Coutts in Alberta,” Mendicino said, adding that the priority is ending the “illegal blockades.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also spoke to reporters and reiterated that the barricades are “unacceptable.”