Canada: Rail service expected to fully resume by March 8 /update 7

Event

VIA Rail announced on Thursday, March 5, that all services across Canada are expected to begin returning to normal by Sunday, March 8. While services will resume nationwide, VIA Rail warned that there may still be trip delays, late departures, or limited seat availability. Up-to-date information on VIA Rail service can be found on their website here. 

Rail service began to resume on Sunday, March 1, after the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs and the government reached a proposed agreement regarding the construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline. As of Thursday, the hereditary chiefs have not officially ratified the deal; however, construction has resumed on the pipeline and protesters are temporarily suspending rail and road blockades. Disruptive protests may resume while the agreement is being finalized or if it is rejected.

Context

Demonstrations in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs have been held in recent weeks throughout Canada. Tyendinaga Mohawk members have been blocking the railway near Belleville since February 6, to protest the arrest of demonstrators who are opposing the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern British Columbia.

Advice

Individuals in Canada are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, confirm rail reservations, consider using alternative routes or modes of transportation, and allow additional time to travel.