Saanich-Gulf Islands MP and Green Party leader Elizabeth May was one of the two MPs arrested during a protest rally at the Kinder Morgan facility on Burnaby Mountain today.
Burnaby South NDP MP Kennedy Stewart was also arrested during the protest, along with several dozen protestors.
The arrests were made after the members of the rally defied a court injunction banning protestors at the construction sites.
Saanich Gulf Islands Greens tweeted a message of support, following their leader’s arrest, stating that “The basis on which the Federal Government is Promoting Trans Mountain is flawed. We simply don’t know enough about how dilbit behaves in a Coastal Marine Environment.”
May has been charged with civil contempt for blocking the road, and is expected to appear in court on June 14th.
We stand with @ElizabethMay and everyone opposing this project. The basis on which the Federal Government is Promoting Trans Mountain is flawed. We simply don;t know enough about how dilbit behaves in a Coastal Marine Environment. #KM #TransMountain @JustinTrudeau pic.twitter.com/xHkz2gQO7p
— SGI Greens (@SGIGreens) March 23, 2018
The incident elicited mixed responses on Twitter:
How in the hell is this the PM's fault? Elizabeth May and Stewart went with the sole purpose of getting arrested for publicity. Like they would actually be held. This whole thing is theatre and I am not impressed in the least.
— Lisa 🇨🇦❄️-Media stop spreading fake news (@lisa_m_228) March 23, 2018
Lowkey mad I have to like boring boomer Elizabeth May a bit more now that she’s shown enough moxie to get her ass arrested at a protest. 😂
— ✨I resent the assumption that I did any research.✨ (@OtherPens) March 23, 2018
Heartfelt thanks to @ElizabethMay and @kennedystewart for standing with the community to #StopKM and being arrested as a result. We know now who will fight to ensure risk of harm is the first consideration before foreign corporate interests.
— Shirin (@Tolling_Bell) March 23, 2018
These politicians are a disgrace to Canadian Law – setting a very bad example when deliberately disobeying! Shame on you @ElizabethMay – you have a right to protest, but you of all people should set a better example. https://t.co/EIXgYAdgwk
— Orkidnut (@Orkidnut) March 23, 2018
I’m fairly sure that @ElizabethMay is probably thirsty from all protesting on my tax $$. Someone should bring her a bucket of Gin & Tonics.
— Guinness_Kel (@Guinness_kel) March 23, 2018
@ElizabethMay You make me proud to be Canadian. We need more politicians that stand up for what they believe to be right. https://t.co/Vnf8I2aqTf
— Nathan Lajeunesse (@Nate_Lajeunesse) March 23, 2018
