Natives hold Canadian City HOSTAGE! Camp out on RR Tracks!

There seems to be no end in sight to the CN Rail blockade in Sarnia, Ont., by First Nations activists. Blockade spokesman Ron Plain says the protests are led by young Aamjiwnaang First Nation members, who met Sunday with representatives from CN, as well as Bradley and Sarnia's police chief.

 

Dozens of demonstrators set up tables, tents and vehicles on and around the track Friday.
Idle No More protests are largely against the omnibus budget Bill C-45 that eliminates federally protected waterways and facilitates the sale of reserve lands without consultation.

CBC reports CN Rail spokesman Jim Feeny said the company is urging governments and police to step up negotiations to find a peaceful settlement, as the stoppage is beginning to affect CN customers.

Feeny said some plants that rely on CN's service are facing shutdowns.

“If we are not able to move loaded rail cars out and replace them with empty rail cars to be loaded by the customers, they’re not going to be able to maintain their operations," said Feeny.

Propane shipments are being prevented from reaching Canadian consumers, he added.

CN is in discussions with the First Nations, Sarnia's mayor, police and government officials to hopefully "resolve this ongoing illegal action."

An end to the dispute is "impossible to predict at this point."

“CN can’t support illegal actions such as this blockade, but we do support First Nations’ requests that the government of Canada meet with First Nations’ leaders to discuss their concerns," said Feeny.