CALGARY, Alberta – The Canadian government has expressed strong condemnation for an attack on a Coastal GasLink pipeline work camp in northern British Columbia. The incident involved assailants wielding axes, threatening workers, and causing damage to equipment. Coastal GasLink, a subsidiary of TC Energy based in Calgary, is in the process of constructing a 670-km long pipeline to the west coast of British Columbia for the purpose of supplying the LNG Canada liquefied natural gas project.
The attack occurred amidst heightened tensions throughout Canada, with police in Ottawa recently initiating arrests of protesters involved in a three-week trucker-led blockade. This led to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau making the decision to assume emergency powers. Federal Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne took to Twitter to express his dismay over the Coastal GasLink attack, denouncing violence and illegal actions as unacceptable means of addressing any issues.
According to Coastal GasLink, around 20 masked attackers in camouflage surrounded a work site off a forest service road, launching an assault on workers in the early hours of the morning. They were reported to have used axes, fired flare guns, and attempted to set a vehicle on fire with workers inside. Following the attack, workers evacuated the area as the assailants vandalized heavy equipment and construction trailers, resulting in substantial financial loss.
Law enforcement officials discovered the forest service road obstructed by downed trees, wire, and spiked boards. As they made their way towards the camp, several individuals hurled smoke bombs and sticks, causing injury to one officer. Despite the chaos, no workers sustained any harm. Both Coastal GasLink and police have refrained from speculating on the potential motivations behind the attack or its connection to opposition against the pipeline.
RCMP Chief Superintendent Warren Brown characterized the assault as a premeditated and coordinated act of violence that left victims traumatized and extensive destruction in its wake. Investigations into the incident continue as authorities work to uncover the perpetrators responsible.