Saskatchewan government files court application against Tristen Durocher

The Saskatchewan government has filed a court application against Tristen Durocher at Regina Court of Queen’s Bench.

Crown counsel Michael Morris confirmed the application was filed Wednesday on behalf of the province and the Provincial Capital Commission.

The application names Durocher, a suicide prevention advocate who is protesting at the legislature, as a respondent, in addition to “other persons operating as, and in support of, ‘Walking With Our Angels'”.

It goes on to cite The Recovery of Possession of Land Act in its request for the court to order Durocher and company “vacate and cease occupying the land”.

It also cites The Provincial Capital Commission Act in its request to see the court order the protesters to comply with Wascana Centre bylaws, and mentions “near identical relief” provided by the court when protesters occupied nearby land in 2018.

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A 2018 court order “restrains any person with knowledge or notice of the Order from unlawfully using the land in contravention of the Bylaws.”

The application also asserts that Durocher is aware of that order, and requests that the Regina Police Service aid in enforcement of any order.

It will be heard on Aug. 13 at 2 pm by Justice Graeme Mitchell.

A post on the Walking With Our Angels Facebook page shows Durocher was served court documents Friday afternoon.

The Saskatchewan government did not provide any further comment Friday.

Durocher was not available for comment when visited by Global News Friday, but has maintained in the past that he will continue his protest regardless of the outcome of any legal action.

“I await my removal, but when this teepee is removed. I will not be removed. As a matter of fact, I’ll just go sit in the queen’s garden,” Durocher told reporters on Wednesday.

Durocher started a hunger strike in a teepee erected in Wascana Park across from the legislature building last Friday. He has been told by Provincial Capital Commission officials that his protest violates several bylaws.

1:31 Minister meets with suicide prevention protester