Question Period Note: Multiple protests in support of Wet’suwet’en

Since November 14, there have been a number of protests across the country in support of Wet’suwet’en and a fight against the construction of a pipeline through their territory in British Columbia.

• Transport Canada is monitoring the situation and is working closely with other government departments and its industry partners.
• The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right in Canada; however, individuals who choose to use this right must do so in accordance with the law.
• Safety is Transport Canada’s top concern. Trespassing on rail lines presents a significant risk to public safety.
• The Department has recently taken a number of steps to strengthen rail security, including measures to deter unlawful trespassing, tampering and interference with Canada’s railway operations.

If pressed:

• Transport Canada is continuously looking for ways to make our railway system more secure for the travelling public, railway operators and their employees, as well as those Canadians who live and work along rail lines.

Vancouver, British Columbia (Concluded) – On November 24, 2021, CN reported a demonstration on the New Westminister subdivision. The protest consisted of 30 people and lasted approximately 6 hours. Operations were not affected.

Tyendinaga, Ontario (Concluded) – On November 24, 2021, a demonstration occurred in Tyendinaga. Protestors did not block any trains however; operations were affected as CN stopped trains in the area to allow for the safe crossing of protestors across the track. VIA Rail and CN experienced delays as a result.

Calendonia, Ontario (Road Blockade) (Concluded) - On November 22, 2021, TC was advised of a protest that blocked Argyle street until 11:00 ET. Protestors blocked only the roadway as the tracks in the area were already closed due to the vehicle placed on the tracks from November 19th.

Caledonia, Ontario (Rail) – A vehicle that had been lit on fire remains on the track. No trains have operated on the Hagersville Subdivision since November 19, 2021. It is currently unknown when operations will resume.

Montreal, Quebec (Concluded) – On November 21, 2021 CP reported a protest on the Outremont Spur. Approximately 100 protestors were blocking CP tracks in support of Wet’suwet’en. Protestors left the area at 17:52 and there were no impact to operations. No arrests were made.

Toronto, Ontario (Concluded) – On November 21, 2021, CP reported a protest at the Bartlett Avenue crossing. As a result, two trains were delayed for approximately 2 hours. Protestors left the area at 2:00 ET. No arrest were made.

Previous Protest events:

• November 19, 2021 - Vancouver, British Columbia – CN track, arrest made under 26.1 of the Railway Safety Act.
• November 19, 2021 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – CN track
• November 18, 2021 - Road Caledonia, Ontario – Road (Hwy 6) Blockade
• November 18, 2021 - New Hazelton, British Columbia
• November 18, 2021 - Road Blockades – Coastal GasLink Workers –Northern BC
• November 14, 2021 - New Hazelton, British Columbia

Location: Multiple locations across Canada