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
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.