CP Rail allowed to inspect tracks, clear debris at Kahnawake blockade

MONTREAL — CP Rail crews were able Wednesday to inspect tracks that have been blocked by protesters for more than three weeks in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, south of Montreal.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake issued a short statement saying the people behind the blockade had approved the inspection by railway workers, which was to be overseen by Mohawk Peacekeepers.

The Mohawk Nation Office said CP Rail workers partially cleared the tracks but there was no immediate plan to lift the blockade.

The blockade was erected Feb. 8 in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs after the RCMP moved into Wet’suwet’en territory in northern British Columbia to enforce an injunction against a blockade erected by pipeline opponents.

CP Rail last week obtained an injunction aimed at reopening the Quebec rail line, which is used for freight traffic as well as commuter service between Montreal and several communities to the south.

But Mohawk Peacekeepers have said they do not intend to enforce the injunction, which expires Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2020.

The Canadian Press