RCMP clear protest blocking B.C. border crossing

VANCOUVER - The Canada Border Services Agency says traffic is moving again south of Vancouver at the Pacific Highway border crossing leading to Washington state.

Surrey RCMP Const. Sarbjit Sangha says officers ordered demonstrators out of the area just north of the crossing late yesterday.

She says 12 people were arrested. 

Police have said four people were facing mischief charges after weekend arrests, as opponents of COVID-19 public health mandates blocked routes leading to British Columbia's main point of entry for commercial truck traffic.

Sangha says Mounties are now monitoring southbound traffic at the Pacific Highway crossing to ensure drivers intend to enter the United States.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invoked the Emergencies Act, giving the federal government temporary and extraordinary powers to deal with protests that shut down several border crossings this month.