A group of Ottawa activists occupied the office of Catherine McKenna on Tuesday afternoon, demanding the environment minister meet with those who built the watch house near the Kinder Morgan protest camp.
Holding signs that read “Defend the Water” and “Stop Kinder Morgan,” about 20 people filled McKenna’s Catherine Street office until it closed for the day.
“First and foremost, we want to show solidarity for our brothers and sisters of the Coast Salish and support them in their request to have a meeting with Catherine McKenna,” said activist Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail outside the office.
She said the group previously spoke with the minister’s officer and requested that she meet with those protesting the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion in Burnaby. Wabano-Iahtail said the group is now seeking a firm date and time on behalf of their fellow protesters out west.
“We want to know exactly when she’s going to go and have this meeting with the grassroots leaders,” she said.
Protect the Inlet, a campaign to stop the Trans Mountain pipeline, launched earlier this month with the construction of a traditional Coast Salish watch house.
More than 100 people have been taken into custody for defying a court injunction of the Kinder Morgan site.
You’re a brave bunch! May the creator be with you to stop Kinder Morgan!
You’re a brave bunch! May the creator be with you to stop Kinder Morgan!