Activists plan to shutdown the B.C. government on Friday

Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

With plans for protests in support of the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs to take over ministry offices in Victoria on Friday, B.C.'s public safety minister is reminding protestors that violence will not be tolerated. 

"If people engage in activities that cross lines of what is the norm in our society then there will be consequences," said Mike Farnworth. "I expect the law to be fully enforced."

Following days of demonstrations, activists are planning a "shutdown of the B.C. government" after more than 350 people signed up for the gatherings on social media, according to CTV News Vancouver.

This includes the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Health. 

"We call on settlers to help take responsibility for the colonial institutions causing violence against Wet'suwet'en land and people by picketing B.C. government buildings," stated a Facebook post attached to the demonstration invitation.

Government employees were alerted earlier this week about the protests and the plans for Friday's demonstration. They were ensured that the province is "prepared for any eventuality."

In an email sent from the deputy minister to the premier, Don Wright reads: "It is important to note that we know very little about what is real and what is not real about the group's plans."

"I want you all to know that the emotional and physical safety of public servants was our top priority as we prepared our plan on how to respond to this. We will not ask public servants to put themselves into any situation where they do not feel safe."

Despite Friday's plans, the government has said they are planning to maintain "as much service to the public as is possible," however plans for Family Day Monday at the B.C. legislature have been cancelled. 

with files from CTV Vancouver