Premier John Horgan rejects call to halt Coastal GasLink

Photo: BC Gov't

Premier John Horgan rejected calls to halt the $6.6 billion Coastal GasLink project at a media availability Thursday and addressed the serious issues of protesters blockading railroads and even his own home.

Horgan himself got a taste of protest zealotry when members of the Extinction Rebellion came to his home in Langford to conduct a “citizen arrest” on Tuesday.

Horgan said it was inappropriate for protesters to subject his wife and neighbours to their antics and intimidation.

“I think the vast majority of British Columbians and Canadians think it’s just out of bounds,” Horgan said.

“You want to yell at me? Fill your boots. I normally wade into crowds, oftentimes against my better judgment, and I’m not going to apologize for being as accessible as I can be. But nor will I apologize for saying to people who think that bringing trauma to my peaceful neighbourhood in Langford is somehow a good idea.”

Protests in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline are costing the Canadian economy millions. Railways and ports have been blockaded by other First Nations, notably Mohawks in Ontario.

“For our part, Minister Bennett from the federal government (and) Minister Fraser remain available and ready to meet at any time with the Wet’suwet’en leadership, and that’s the course we’re going to pursue in the hope of a peaceful resolution to these issues,” Horgan said.

Asked about his discussion with Canada’s premiers Wednesday, Horgan said other premiers needed to be brought “up to speed” on the unique dual governance system in B.C., where there may be both elected and hereditary leaders.

“They don’t understand how elected band councils could have said yes [to the Coastal GasLink pipeline] and other hereditary leaders have said no,” Horgan said.

Horgan said Wet’suwet’en calls for the project to be cancelled or put on hold are "not an option for me."