EDMONTON – As part of the National Day of Action, members of the Papaschase First Nation held a rally in south Edmonton Wednesday, blocking northbound traffic on the QEII Highway from 1 pm – 3 pm.
The blockade was scheduled for two hours near their former reserve.
Dozens of protestors took part in the blockade, which stopped vehicles near Gateway Park. There was an access road nearby to allow motorists to turn around.
Edmonton Police and RCMP members were also helping reroute traffic along Highway 19 into Devon. Officers were using the Nisku exit as a detour, and advising drivers to travel east through Beaumont and/or west through Devon. Barricades and signs were in place to notify motorists of the traffic diversion.
“Police will be on hand to ensure everyone gets to their destinations safely with minimal inconvenience,” said Inspector Kevin Galvin, of the EPS Policing Support Branch. “We’re asking motorists who anticipate travelling that highway corridor this afternoon to be patient, to slow down and to leave early in the event they need to get to the Edmonton International Airport.”
Police clarified that large commercial vehicles (triple trailers) would be allowed to proceed towards the blockade, but would then be instructed to park on the shoulder of the highway until the blockade is finished at 3 pm. These vehicles do not have the capacity to turn around at the access points.
Alberta’s Solicitor General pointed out that the right to demonstrate is the right of all Canadians.
"The Charter of Rights, which has been part of our constitution for over thirty years, stipulates that there's a right to peaceful assembly, there's a right to peaceful protest. But that right is subject to reasonable limitations," explained Jonathan Denis.
"If a group - it doesn't matter what they say - if a group is on the side of the road, wants to make a statement, wants to hand out their leaflets in a peaceful manner, I think that's their right regardless of whether I agree with it or not,” he added. “Where it becomes problematic is when you start talking about a blockade because you're affecting the rights of others and I think that may be crossing the line."
However, he added, determining what actions actually cross that line can be difficult.
"There isn't a lot of court authority of what constitutes peaceful protest in Canada as there is in the United States. But realistically I'm asking both the protestors and anyone who may be affected - again - please be reasonable. And it's my hope, again, that the protestors do not cross the line. It would be very unfortunate if there were any arrests. But at the end of the day if the police feel that they have crossed the line as to what's their reasonable freedom of expression, they do have the right to lay charges which will then be decided by the court," explained Denis.
Papaschase Chief Calvin Bruneau said the protest is part of a national day of action called by First Nations chiefs, and he hopes those inconvenienced by the delays will understand.
“The Government of Canada has inconvenienced us for 100 years,” he said.
Changes to the Indian Act that were included in Bill C-45 make it easier for a First Nation to permanently surrender land. The amendments eliminate the requirement to have more than half of the voting population cast votes in support of the decision.
Bruneau said the protest will be in support of the Idle No More movement. Idle No More leaders have not officially supported the national day of action called by the chiefs.
Idle No More supporters have been protesting the omnibus federal budget bill, which received royal assent Dec. 14.
They are calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to consult with First Nations before implementing the many portions of the bill they say impact on treaty rights.
Another Idle No More demonstration is planned for St. Albert Wednesday afternoon. St. Albert RCMP say the event, planned to occur at the intersection of Sturgeon Road and St. Albert Trail, will start at 4 pm Wednesday.
RCMP say the organizers of the demonstration have said this will be a peaceful demonstration that will not last more than 30 minutes.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the intersection St. Albert Trail, both the north and south lanes from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and consider taking alternate routes.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2013.