RCMP prepare to ‘rescue’ B.C. pipeline workers as blockade stops flow of critical supplies

RCMP and Coastal GasLink say more than 500 pipeline workers are at risk after being trapped by a blockade that aims to stop the project's construction in Wet'suwet'en territory.

RCMP in the northern B.C. town of Houston are preparing to “rescue” more than 500 workers “trapped” by a blockade that aims to stop a pipeline’s construction on unceded First Nations land.

The Mounties said Thursday they’re preparing a “rescue mission” as the blockade stops the flow of critical supplies to the Coastal GasLink work site and have increased police presence in the region.

“Our primary focus is on everyone’s safety, particularly the camp workers, who are nearing the end of their essential supplies,” said Chief Supt. John Brewer in a news release.

“We were hoping that a solution would be reached without the need for police enforcement, however, it has become very clear to us that our discretionary period has to come to an end.”

RCMP said it will now enforce a B.C. Supreme Court-ordered injunction that stops opponents from impeding access to Coastal GasLink’s activities, permitted under Canadian law.

Earlier this week, the Gidimt’en Checkpoint, which shares information about the blockade, tweeted that Wet’suwet’en Nation had successfully enforced its “ancient trespass laws” and closed the territory.

“The Morice Forest Service Road has been destroyed and access to Coastal Gaslink is no longer possible,” it said.

The Gidimt’en Clan is one of five in Wet’suwet’en Nation, and other elected Wet’suwet’en band officials have previously said the views of those at the blockade camps do not reflect their own.