When will blockades end?

Police discretion in enforcing the law is essential. However, police are caught between a rock and a hard place in dealing with current illegal rail blockades. Government inaction regarding the application of criminal law to radical rail protestors is crippling to the rule of law. 

Railway lines and associated property are private property!  Provincial and federal laws are being violated by persons conducting illegal rail blockades.  

What would happen if a non-Indigenous related protest blocked highway 401 in Toronto or the main rail line between Toronto and Montreal. Would protestors be arrested?

Recently the media reported that such a group blocked access to BC Premier Horgan’s home. Reports indicate protesters were quickly arrested and removed. A double standard? 

I am all for peaceful and legal protest by any group, but the use of illegal activities during protest actions should not be allowed. Government inaction not only hurts Canadians and the economy, it makes our country and leadership appear weak.  Allowing rail blockades to continue will only encourage radical protestors to use this tactic in the future.

Police will be reluctant to enforce injunctions and enforcement orders related to rail blockades without support by the government, the courts and the department of justice. 

Police attempt to ensure the safety of all persons at protest sites but in the current state of things, removal of railway blockade protestors and filing of charges will most likely not occur any time soon.

Gerry Fish, West Kelowna