RCMP have ceased patrols of the Morice West Forest Service Road during dicusssions between the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and government representatives.
Last week, the force, in what it calls an “act of good faith”, closed its Community-Industry Safety Office at the 29 km mark of the road and relocated operations to Houston.
However, Wet’suwet’en members complained that RCMP continued patrols of the road into their territory and accused police of harrassment.
RCMP say they’ve been in discussions with Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs over the past week over the need to ensure the road remains open and free of obstructions.
While police won’t patrol the forestry road while discussions between the Wet’suwet’en, federal, and provincial officials continue, RCMP say they will still respond to emergency calls, such as a motor vehicle crash with injuries.
RCMP say embers of the Wet’suwet’en Rangers will patrol the road during talks and confirm to police that it is clear and free of any obstructions.
