Bob Mackin
Provincial government employees across British Columbia received a memo March 22, warning them of the March 23 anti-pipeline protests targeting the offices of federal politicians.
A copy of the internal memo was leaked to theBreaker. It is headlined “staff safety advisory – low risk” and warns of the Defend the Water national day of action.
“This campaign is described as taking action across Canada in an effort to stop the Kinder Morgan pipeline,” said the memo, under a bright, yellow heading. “Organizers are urging demonstrators to visit over 50 locations across the country to deliver water collected from B.C.’s coastline to MP’s offices and demand the federal government stop supporting the project.”
Events are expected to be concentrated in the Lower Mainland, but also take place on Vancouver Island and in the Interior.
“While the focus of this event is to put pressure on the federal government, there is a possibility that demonstrations could also occur at provincial government offices.”
Staff were advised to not risk personal safety to protect property or assets. “If you are approached by individuals participating in the demonstration, respond in a non-confrontational manner and leave the area if asked to do so.”
Aboriginal-led protests began March 10 next to a tank farm on Burnaby Mountain. Protesters are aiming to prevent Kinder Morgan from twinning its Alberta tar sands to Burrard Inlet pipeline. The project has federal approval, but B.C.’s NDP government is challenging it in court.
