Politicians condemn violence at Coastal GasLink construction site in northern B.C.

HOUSTON, B.C. — Politicians are denouncing what police have called a violent confrontation in separate attacks against officers and employees at a construction site for a natural gas pipeline being built across northern British Columbia.

Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino called the allegations of violence at the Coastal GasLink site and on a forestry road disturbing, saying he is “deeply concerned” by reports of “violent confrontations” and the injury to an RCMP officer. 

On Thursday, RCMP said they were called to the site following reports of an attack against security guards and damaged property, but before getting there they were stopped on the road by a fire where a group threw smoke bombs and flaming sticks, injuring the officer. 

Mendicino says there is no justification for “violence towards your fellow Canadians,” no matter the cause.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney as well as former Edmonton and Calgary mayors Don Iveson and Naheed Nenshi called the violence “deplorable” on social media. 

RCMP spokesman Sgt. Chris Manseau says the investigation is ongoing and there are no updates.

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said the actions were “egregious criminal activity” that could have led to serious injury or loss of life.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2022.

The Canadian Press

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