The Mounties say they’re staying “neutral” as AltaGas Ltd. and Mi’kmaq protesters are at odds over aboriginal presence on a tiny island.
The island is at the site where the energy company would discharge briny water from proposed underground natural gas storage caverns.
READ MORE: Indian Brook First Nation to continue to fight gas storage facility
The Mounties said they’ve been contacted by the company and are aware that opponents of the project went to the island inside the fenced-off construction zone on Sunday.
However, the police force was not being definitive about what officers will do if similar incidents continue.
A spokesman says if Mi’kmaq enter the construction zone police are committed to – quote – “remaining neutral on all matters.”
Cpl. Dal Hutchinson also says the RCMP is also committed “to keep the peace and to protect property” in these incidents.
READ MORE: First Nations, environmental groups appealing Alton gas project approval
Cheryl Maloney, the president of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, said she was confident the Mi’kmaq have a right to be on the island for fishing purposes granted by treaty.
The company says the project has been approved by the Environment Department, and access to the work site is restricted for safety reasons.
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