Pipeline protests prompt CN to shut Eastern Canada train lines

Canada National Railway Co, (the country’s biggest cargo railway) has started shutting down operations in Eastern Canada amid pipeline protests. For the same reason, Via Rail cancelled all passenger service across the country, while political leaders exchanged offers to hold talks to end the rail blockades.

At least 42,000 Via Rail passengers had their travel disrupted last week as a result of the blockade. The company said it would refund fares for passengers whose trips had been cancelled.

The protests are in support of Wet’suwet’en Nation’s opposition to the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern British Columbia. The blockades appeared after the RCMP broke up a camp that was blocking pipeline construction – demonstrators have blocked railways in BC and Ontario as a result, which affects high-volume routes.

Gitxsan hereditary Chief Norman Stephens, who also goes by Simogyet Spookw, said protesters would remove the rail blockade in the First Nation’s territory near New Hazelton, BC, pending talks with government. He said: “I’ve done this for the Gitxsan, for the Wet’suwet’en, and I welcome all of you to return if talks fail.”

The group maintaining the second major blockade on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Southeastern Ontario would not be drawn as to whether they would also remove their barricade. 

Canadian National announced it has been “forced to initiate a disciplined and progressive shutdown of its operations in Eastern Canada” while Via Rail said it would park all trains until further notice.

CN said the shutdown could lead to temporary layoffs in Eastern Canadian operations. This prompted Teamsters Canada, the union representing CN workers, to say it fears the railway could send 6,000 workers home. 

For more information visit www.cn.ca 

19th February 2020