Manitoba legislature encampment dismantled; seven arrested

Provincial staff are dismantling an encampment on the Manitoba Legislature grounds after Winnipeg police brought some encampment members into custody.

Winnipeg police say seven people are facing charges after officers stopped an attempt to expand an encampment on the Manitoba Legislature grounds.

Around 40 police officers, along with Manitoba Conservation officers were seen at the legislature Tuesday afternoon, a day after officers stopped an encampment from growing.

The Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Tuesday, officers provided a safe work environment for Manitoba Legislature staff to dismantle the structures.

This comes after police were on site Monday in response to information that occupants were bringing in building materials to expand the north camp’s footprint by building a new teepee.

“Poles were laid on the ground forming a border to delineate their claimed space. Legislative Security Officers and police advised participants to cease bringing in the materials as it was contrary to The Legislative Security Act,” the release said.

“Despite verbal warnings, the group formed a long human chain, preventing officers from carrying out their duties and providing cover for the individuals bringing in materials such as wooden poles 30 feet in length.”

WPS said Tyler Demarchuk, 27, Patrick Neilen, 34, Aaron Lee Dumas, 45, Eduardo Alberto Barahona, 55, Krystal Lisa Kerriann Jensen, 35, Monique Cusson, 36, and Ashley Catcheway, 39, were charged with obstructing peace officers and deposit items in the legislative precinct that support extended stay.