Climate activists disrupt traffic near Vancouver International Airport
Climate activists blocked traffic headed for Vancouver International Airport on Monday while calling for an end to Canada's fossil fuel subsidies.
The group Extinction Rebellion announced plans to "disrupt airport access" beginning at 4:30 p.m. as part of a two-week campaign of daily events designed to draw attention to the global climate crisis.
"There are people here who are willing to enter into civil resistance to the point of arrest," organizer Zain Haq told CTV News. "We expect to be there as long as it takes until the RCMP arrest people."
Extinction Rebellion has focused much of its attention criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's climate leadership, highlighting his government's continued support of the Trans Mountain pipeline.
The protesters have blocked several major intersections and traffic arteries in Metro Vancouver since the campaign began, resulting in a number of arrests.
Ahead of Monday's demonstration, Extinction Rebellion released a statement purportedly from one of the people arrested on Sunday named Bridgette: "I am a biologist. I am a teacher. I am a mother. Today I chose to be arrested – to be separated from my seven-month-old son and five-year-old daughter – because I am so desperate for meaningful action on climate change."
"I want to be able to tell my kids I tried my best to give them a future worth living," it reads.
Richmond RCMP said officers would be working with protest organizers to ensure the demonstration is carried out safely. Authorities recommended that drivers watch for pedestrians in the area of Templeton Street and Grant McConnachie Way.
They also told travellers to plan ahead to ensure they can make it to their flight on time.
In a statement, Vancouver International Airport suggested that travellers consider taking the Canada Line, which connects to YVR from downtown Vancouver in 26 minutes, rather than driving.
The airport also noted its own "commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030."
"As an organization, we share the view that we need to find and advance fossil fuel alternatives for aviation and beyond, and we respect the right to peaceful protest," YVR said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.