Environmental protesters take to Saskatoon streets outside RBC meeting

The streets around the Bessborough Hotel in downtown Saskatoon were blocked for several hours Wednesday during an environmental protest.

About 100 climate activists and B.C. First Nation members took over part of the downtown core to protest what they say are billions of dollars being spent by RBC on fossil fuel projects, including Coastal GasLink, a pipeline that crosses their traditional territory.

The RBC Annual and Special Meeting of Common Shareholders was being held at the hotel Wednesday.

One protester, who identified himself only as Cedar, shouted about the effect oil spills can have on wildlife, and said he believes spills are likely to occur along that particular pipeline.

“When a pipeline spill happens, it’ll destroy the salmon habitat and affect all 200 species, including orca whales,” he said.

“The salmon can’t get up and say ‘You’re killing my children!’ The orca whales can’t get up and say ‘You’re killing our house, our habitat, our children!'”

Chants of “Water is life!” and “No means no!” were also heard from the protestors before the demonstration wound down in the early afternoon.

In a statement to 650 CKOM, RBC said it considers climate change to be “one of the world’s most pressing issues” and said it actively works with governments and clients to reduce carbon emissions.

“RBC supports energy development that is done in an environmentally and socially responsible manner including meaningful consultations with Indigenous peoples,” the bank’s statement read.

“The (Coastal GasLink) project is supported by elected and hereditary leaders in the 20 Indigenous communities along its route and is an important driver of economic and social development in these communities.”

Police shut down a number of streets in the area around the protest, and a police spokesperson said that’s standard practice when it comes to protests.

“Anytime there are protests in the city, we attempt to reach out to organizers regarding their plans and how we can keep people safe. The (Saskatoon Police Service) made the decision to close off streets today in an effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for rally participants, motorists, businesses, media and the general public,” the police spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Police also made a post on social media saying that no police snipers were being used to oversee the event, despite hearing reports to the contrary.

We are aware of sources reporting the presence of tactical snipers positioned on rooftops near the environmental protest activity; while the SPS does have an operational plan in place to maintain public safety and the right to protest, it does not involve the use of snipers.

— Saskatoon Police (@SaskatoonPolice) April 5, 2023

–With files from 650 CKOM’s Lara Fominoff