Blockade supporting Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs set up on rail line in Edmonton

EDMONTON  – A blockade was set up on a CN rail line in Edmonton in support of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who opposed a natural gas pipeline in British Columbia.

A group called Cuzzins for Wet’suwet’en says on Twitter that it staged the protest “in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en.”

CN Trains are blocked outside of Edmonton in solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en #ShutDownCanada #WetsuwetenStrong #ReconciliationIsDead #Yeg pic.twitter.com/bN0LaO3rDu

— Cuzzins for Wet'suwet'en (@C4Wetsuweten) February 19, 2020

It posted photos showing a blockade of wooden crates on the train line, with signs reading “No Consent” and “No Pipelines on Stolen Land.”

It’s going to be a beautiful morning. #shutdowncanada #shutdowncanadawest #WetsuwetenStrong #ReconciliationIsDead #AllEyesOnWetsuweten pic.twitter.com/p5EfkDtrkh

— Cuzzins for Wet'suwet'en (@C4Wetsuweten) February 19, 2020

A statement from CN says CN police and local police services responded.

The rail company says trains weren’t moving on the track and CN would take necessary legal action under the circumstances.

CityNews spoke to business owners nearby worried about the blockade and hoping for a peaceful solution.

Two women even approached some of the protestors questioning their tactics.

"This isn't 1856, we're not worried about prosperity, we're worried about a livable world."

"You should take your mask off so the world can see who you are."

Conversation between #Wetsuwetan protesters and those calling for an end to the blockade near Edmonton. #yeg #yyc https://t.co/pnkAvSX1eN

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) February 19, 2020

The women, who own a business in Spruce Grove, hopes Alberta is the one province who stands up against the blockades.

She adds the protestors were breaking the law but at the end of the day, she said all they want is publicity.

The Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs oppose a Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline that is to be built through their territory in northern B.C.

READ MORE: Kenney continues to show disapproval for nationwide blockades

Edmonton police say they have been advised of the protest, but are not directly involved at this time.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer tweeted in response to the blockade saying the blocking of economically critical infrastructure such as rail lines is an offence and will not be tolerated.

Albertans will not be economic hostages to law-breaking extremists. #abpoli #ableg

— Doug Schweitzer (@doug_schweitzer) February 19, 2020

He added CN Rail was seeking an emergency injunction which the government will support.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the law is upheld and that rail service is maintained,” said Schweitzer. “Albertans will not be economic hostages to law-breaking extremists.”

An Edmonton judge has granted an injunction to stop the blockades on all CN rail lines in Alberta for 30 days.

Justice Paul Belzil issued the ruling in the Court of Queen’s Bench after being asked to do so by CN lawyers.

The lawyers successfully argued that the protesters were trespassing on CN land and causing severe impact to business.

The lawyers said a train was bearing down on the blockade around 4:30 a.m. when CN received an anonymous phone tip about the protest
on the tracks.

 

Tracks are now clear west of Edmonton #Wetsuweten #yeg pic.twitter.com/33vtMMzG4i

— Carly Robinson (@CarlyDRobinson) February 19, 2020

They said the train stopped just 20 cars short of the blockade, threatening the safety of the protesters and the train crew.

The lawyers said the blockade had held up 14 trains by lunch time, backing up traffic and threatening perishable and hazardous goods.