The Ontario Provincial Police say they don’t plan to change the way they have been handling Idle No More protests.In a taped message posted on YouTube Tuesday, OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis said First Nations groups could “paralyze” Canada by “shutting down travel and trade routes,” but that it’s not the OPP’s job to solve disputes between First Nations communities and government.
Last week, an Ontario Superior Court judge slammed the OPP for not doing enough to stop a protest that stranded hundreds of passengers on a main rail line between Toronto and Montreal.
“I’d rather be criticized for a decision to not jeopardize, take or lose lives than for taking unnecessary aggressive action that undoubtedly will,” Lewis said.
The OPP’s defence came a day before protests are scheduled from coast to coast as part of Idle No More. The provincial police say “protest activities” could cause traffic delays on 400-series highways.
Police in Windsor warn there could be delays on or around the Ambassador Bridge. Several Ontario First Nations communities plan to demonstrate at the foot of the bridge that connects Canada and the United States.
“Our initial reports indicated anywhere from 300 and up (will attend the protest) but we really do not know what to expect,” Windsor police Sgt. Matthew D’Asti said.
One lane of the Nipigon Bridge in northwestern Ontario will also be blocked in both directions Wednesday afternoon as protesters walk across to the Hwy. 11/17 junction for a rally.
“We want to offer to the people who are passing some information on the bills that Prime Minister (Stephen) Harper should be revoking,” said Chief Arlene Wawia, of the Red Rock Band.
“That’s all I’m asking them to do is take those bills and read them and understand what they mean to the lakes and rivers and to the land.”
Dan Doreen of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory was at the CN Rail blockade near Kingston that OPP was criticized for not stopping.
The injunction order stopping that protest expired Tuesday, but Doreen said there aren’t plans to resume blocking the tracks Wednesday.
Many people can’t afford to take time away from work in the middle of the week to protest, he said.
CN Rail will be watching closely for blockades Wednesday, but it’s too early to say what kind of action it will take against any, spokesman Jim Feeny said.
In Toronto, organizer Wanda Nanibush expects at least 1,000 people to rally at the British Consulate-General starting at noon.
Plans are also in place for a public forum in Victoria, a candlelight vigil in Calgary and rallies in Vancouver and Montreal on Wednesday.
Original Article
Source: the star
Author: Karissa Donkin
No comments:
Post a Comment