B.C. court orders pro-Palestinian camp at Vancouver Island University to shut down

VANCOUVER — Pro-Palestinian protesters who set up an encampment at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, B.C., have been told to pack up within 72 hours.

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association says a judge in Vancouver granted an injunction ordering the encampment removed on Thursday, and that no further camps be established in the same area for 150 days.

The university went to court against the protest following an Ontario court decision that granted the University of Toronto an injunction against an encampment there.

The encampments against the Israel-Hamas war began popping up at Canadian universities this spring, including at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria, with protesters demanding the institutions cut ties with Israeli firms and institutions.

Vancouver Island University says in a statement that it hopes those at the encampment comply with the mandate to leave by Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

It says it has requested the assistance of the RCMP to support the enforcement order if protesters remain past the court-ordered time frame.

“We recognize that this situation has been challenging and emotional for many. We are committed to supporting our students and employees through this period and welcome constructive and respectful dialogue on all community issues,” the statement says.

The civil liberties group says in a statement that it intervened in the case to argue that the court must consider the effects of an injunction on the protesters’ Charter rights, even if the encampment is on private property.

The association says it’s pleased the court found the measures sought by the university were “overly broad,” however the judge also found that the protesters’ Charter rights didn’t undermine the university’s property owner rights.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs says in a social media statement that it is pleased the courts have granted the injunction that will ensure all people can feel safe in their campus community.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2024.

The Canadian Press