The atmosphere was somewhat highly charged on Tuesday morning in the British Columbia legislature that after Skeena MLA Ellis Ross had raised the topic of reported, but as of yet unproven cases of sabotage along the Coastal GasLink pipeline in the Northwest.
The issue made for a Legislature Chamber topic following a report over the weekend by way of an anonymous report that highlighted a number of actions taken against the pipeline that leads to the LNG Canada terminal site in Kitimat.
It's a topic the Skeena MLA took note of on his social media stream over the last few days and raised in the public Chamber of the legislature during Question Period Tuesday morning.
Much of his commentary was along the lines of some of his past social media messaging, Mr. Ross noting of the past protests found at the Legislature, as well as a string of incidents of violence along he pipeline route.
For years this NDP government has been cozying up to the protesters and spewing anti–resource project propaganda.
Three years ago those same protesters caused chaos, shut down critical infrastructure all across B.C., including rail lines and ports. They even successfully blockaded this Legislature. That was three years ago, and it's only gotten worse, with increasing violence today.
A little over a year ago masked thugs armed with axes stormed a construction site on the Morice River, destroyed equipment and terrorized workers.
Last fall eight vehicles, including four RCMP cars and an ambulance, were burned in downtown Smithers, on the streets of Smithers.
Just this past weekend we learned of more acts of terrorism: sabotage, drilling holes in pipes, even pouring hydrochloric acid on concrete pipes that are meant to protect steel pipes.
There have been no consequences for these acts of terrorism — nothing.
And this government's complete silence and lack of information have left everyone in the dark.
My question is to the Premier — not to the ministers, to the Premier.
When will this Premier finally take action to restore the rule of law and end the violence and terrorism?
Mr. Ross's interpretation of the government's action brought a reproach from Mike Farnwoth the Public Safety minister and Deputy Premier.
"I thank the member for his question, but I also want to correct some things he has just said in his remarks.
First off, this side of the House –– in fact, everybody on this side of the House –– condemns in no uncertain terms any act of violence, intimidation, terrorism against people doing lawful activities in this province.
We have made that clear right from the get-go.
To suggest otherwise, hon. Member, is just plain wrong.
I also want to let the member know this. Police take this very seriously and are doing thorough, independent investigations to ensure that those who are responsible for these kinds of actions are in fact brought to justice.
That means working to ensure they've got the strongest possible case that they can build. It's often working with very difficult circumstances.
What they need is information. What they need is people who know things to come forward to assist them in their investigations.
I want to assure you that the police are doing everything they can. They brief me on a regular basis in terms of what's taking place and what's happening.
I can assure you when charges are laid –– and at some point, they will be –– we expect them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The conversation took a turn towards controversy shortly after, when the Skeena MLA appeared to equate the Government's approach to that of aligning with protesters and how a lack of action actually equals terrorism.
That brought some guidance from Mr. Farnworth that Mr. Ross most likely would like to withdraw those comments at his earliest opportunity.
The Deputy Premier and Public Safety Minister also provided a short observation towards the concerns over the report of sabotage along the pipeline route.
"The police do not take supposed investigations. They take these actions seriously, as does every single member on this side of the House and on that side of the House.
So to suggest that the police are doing supposed investigations — that's insulting.
To suggest that government does not take this…. I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer to that.
The police are doing their job in terms of thorough investigations. If they need resources, they get them from us.
We have an independent judicial system. I can tell you, as I said a moment ago, that at some point when they've concluded their investigations into often difficult and complex situations, and they're determined to get to the bottom of it, I expect charges will be laid.
When those charges are laid, they'll go to court, and I expect them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
People who are engaged in work that sabotages the lives of individuals or puts their lives at risk should spend a maximum amount of time in the penalty box behind bars."
That exchange was followed up by Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen who rose on a point of order to address the issue later in the morning session.
"The primary focus of my point of order, is that the member for Skeena insinuated criminal activity on behalf of members of the government, equating some, from his perspective, some inaction — equating that with, in his words, terrorism.
This is not something that we can allow to take place in our Legislature.
We can have vigorous and important debate about all of the issues that we seek to clarify and raise on behalf of our constituents.
I, of course, will look to the Blues, once they're produced, for the very specific phrasing, but I heard very clearly, and I'm sure other members did as well.
The insinuation was direct. It was a quid pro quo that the alleged inactions, which, in fact, are not true, he equated to terrorism, thereby equating an illegal activity, a criminal activity, upon members of the government.
He was offered an opportunity, I noticed, in question period to withdraw those comments and apologize.
He has not, at this point, chosen to.
I would hope that he does, so we can move past this matter and not have to see it again."
After the break for the lunch period, the Skeena MLA did return to the Legislature and issued his withdrawal of his commentary as part of a personal statement just prior to the delivery of the Budget.
"During question period this morning, I made some comments that may have been misinterpreted. I rise now to withdraw those comments."
