Kamloops Mounties arrested three people Monday morning at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops in connection with a protest over the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says there was a demonstration at the Campus Activity Centre, and three protesters were taken away in handcuffs.
“At this time, it’s very fluid. The situation is very fluid,” Shelkie tells KamloopsMatters.
According to a tweet from Kanahus Manuel, an opponent of the Trans Mountain pipeline, her twin sister Mayuk Manuel was arrested following a pipeline roundtable meeting at the school.
Shelkie couldn't comment on what sparked the demonstration.
“We recognize that demonstrators have the right to lawful, peaceful and safe protests, but also, companies have the right to complete their work,” she says. “Obviously, the safety of the public and our officers is paramount.”
KamloopsMatters has confirmed that Justice Frank Iacobucci was at TRU today for a roundtable meeting.
Following the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision on the Trans Mountain pipeline, to overturn the federal Liberals' approval of the project, the Government of Canada reinitiated Phase III consultations. The government appointed Iacobucci to oversee consultations with 117 Indigenous groups impacted by the pipeline.
In its decision, the court concluded the federal government failed in its duty to engage in meaningful consultations with First Nations before giving the green light to the project.
"Natural Resources Canada is leading the Phase III consultation with Indigenous groups and Trans Mountain representatives are in attendance at today’s roundtable," Trans Mountain tells KamloopsMatters.
