The RCMP has formally ended its enforcement operations in a region of northern B.C. that's at the centre of a pipeline dispute as protests across the country continue to cause disruptions, most notably to
The economic impact of the demonstrations began to crystallize Tuesday as
More than 150 freight trains have been idled since the blockades were set up last Thursday in
Passenger rail services have also been affected in
Chief executive JJ Ruest said the CN network gives the company limited parking space for its trains, which means traffic is backed up from
In
Protesters, who have been camping outside the building since Friday, chanted "Shame" as politicians tried to enter the building with help from security.
The RCMP began enforcing a court injunction last week near
The Mounties concluded enforcement of the injunction on Monday after arresting 28 people. Of those, six were released without charges or conditions and 14 appeared before a judge and were released with a condition to obey the injunction.
The RCMP said Tuesday that a temporary exclusion zone in the area was removed and everyone was free to enter the area. The police force is maintaining an office on a forest service road at the centre of the dispute to continue patrols.
"The right to peaceful, safe and lawful protest, and freedom of expression, are important parts of
Via Rail said 157 passenger trains have been cancelled, affecting 24,500 travellers on routes between
In addition to the service cancellations in
Transport Minister
Ruest said CN Rail had to temporarily discontinue service in its key corridors because of the blockades.
"The impact is also being felt beyond
"In
Stakeholders from chemical companies to Dannon Yogurt called this week to raise concerns, he said.
"They can't get their stuff out."
This report by
Companies in this story: (TSX:CNR)
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