Protests continue across the country in support of those against the Coastal GasLink LNG Pipeline in B.C., which is routed to pass through Wet'suwet'en territory. Blockades have been set up along rail lines and highways, stemming the flow of goods in some parts of the country.

While the blockades have been in place for nearly two weeks in some areas, courts have ruled on the legality of the protests, and in most cases, they have been ruled as illegal. Now, calls are coming in for the RCMP to enforce the court rulings and remove the blockades. This includes a conference call expected today, convened by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, to talk about the anti-pipeline blockades, which have grown to not only protesting in support of the Wet’suwet’en, but also pipelines in general.

Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Dustin Duncan said for those who have environmental concerns about pipelines, many aren’t looking at the big picture.

“Just take a step back, and look at what the alternatives are, and the alternatives aren’t great,” Duncan pointed out. “The alternative, as much as they would like, the alternative is not happening anytime soon; the world is not going away from the use of oil.”

With the activity of many of the protesters being ruled as illegal by the courts, the calls are mounting for action to be taken to enforce the rule of law. The sentiment is echoed by Duncan as well.

“We are a country that is ruled by the rule of law, and when that breaks down, as we’re starting to see it happen, that’s a scary situation for all of us.”

In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for patience Tuesday, while enduring calls from the Opposition to crack down on the protesters. 

At the site of the original protests in B.C., there are now calls for a small RCMP detachment to be removed as part of the conditions to end the blockades. Officers from the detachment arrested 28 people earlier this month while enforcing a court-ordered injunction.