Several peaceful protesters are blocking the path of Trans Mountain workers in Burnaby today (Thursday), with a goal of stopping the cutting of some of the 1,300 trees slated to fall to make way for the pipeline near the Brunette River.
As the photo above shows, several people have been sitting down near the trees, with Trans Mountain security speaking with them.
The Twitter account @PPSTMX1 says the people are risking arrest.
This action follows one person being arrested on Wednesday for blocking the path of machinery on North Road on the Burnaby-New Westminster border.
“Land defenders fear for the safety of the tree sitters, whose platforms are close to trees now being felled,” said a news release as protesters aim to lend their support to those who are occupying trees in a nearby Burnaby forest.
“In a prayerful action yesterday, Janette McIntosh, Presbyterian (ecumenical and interfaith justice initiatives) was arrested by RCMP for refusing to move from her seat,” said a news release.
In a statement, she said, “We are in a climate emergency, so why is business carrying on as usual? Why the disconnect? Why insist on old ways based on failed economic models, when we know there are better ways to live? For public health and safety reasons we’ve all had to pivot, yet the oil and gas industry has received more subsidies than ever before! As a taxpayer and, therefore, owner of this pipeline, I am deeply frustrated that my voice and those of other concerned people are not being heeded.”
Ruth Walmsley, a Quaker and founding member of Burnaby Residents Opposing KinderMorgan Expansion (BROKE) said: “As a person of faith, I am mindful of the moral imperative to think seven generations into the future. We are called to leave a world that will continue to support life as we know it, for present and future generations. I have pursued many different avenues to express my opposition but at this point, with construction of the TMX proceeding, I feel I have no option left other than non-violent civil disobedience. I am just one person, but I know that I am part of a much larger tide, and I believe that tide is turning. Enough is enough! Too much has already been lost. Let us see what love can do.”
