Legislature entrances blocked by demonstrators, Throne Speech will go on

Hundreds of protesters blocked the entrances to the British Columbia legislature today as demonstrations against a pipeline project continued to flare across the country. Liza Yuzda reports.

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Security at the B.C. Legislature is on high alert while all entrances to the parliament buildings are blocked by demonstrators.

What started as a few protesters gathered on the lawn outside the Legislature has grown over a few days. They are showing support for the Wet’suwet’en hereditary leaders who oppose an LNG pipeline.

This comes just hours before the Throne’s Speech at the Legislature.


MLAs Rob Fleming, Mike Bernier, Greg Kyllo, John Rustad, and Ralph Sultan were escorted by security through the main entrance as protesters chanting “shame,” with some pushing back security. All entrances are being closed off while security negotiates with demonstrators outside to open at least one safe passage.

RELATED: Trimming the pomp given the circumstance: Protests cancel ceremony ahead of Throne Speech

Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin was able to enter the building for this afternoon’s speech.


Demonstrators have been camped outside for days while supporters across Canada have shut down rail lines, ports, and bridges. As a result of the encampment, the provincial government has also been forced to cancel the ceremonial Inspection of the Guard of Honour by the lieutenant governor.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says there have been protests at the Legislature before and as long as it is peaceful there shouldn’t be a problem.

“Right now, we’re here to do the government’s work, which is we have to prorogue the House later today and to have the Throne Speech,” he says.


The Thone Speech is still set to go ahead at 2:00 p.m.

With files from Ash Kelly

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