Anti-coal protestors dressed as Santa Claus and carrying
sacks of coal were able to gain access to offices at Port Metro Vancouver and
disrupt operations on Dec. 16.
According to a statement released by the port regarding the
incident, “a group of masked protestors” illegally gained entry to port offices
around 10:15 am and attempted to access a restricted area.
“A number of our employees were physically assaulted and
property was damaged during this aggressive act,” according to the statement, which
was issued the day of the protest. “We are concerned by the violent actions
taken against Port Metro Vancouver and its staff.”
The environmental group Rising Tide has claimed responsibility
for the unusual protest, saying that half a dozen Santas were trying to deliver
sacks of coal to unspecified port employees to show their opposition to the
proposed Fraser Surrey Docks (FSD) Coal Facility.
Fraser Surrey Docks has a project permit pending with Metro
Vancouver to develop the direct transfer coal facility, which would export coal
from the US Midwest to Asia and handle up to eight million metric tons of coal
annually.
Opponents of the project say that it would result in 17
million tons of carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere each year.
After the protest, the Rising Tide group posted a 30-second video on YouTube,
showing the protestor Santas being ejected from the port headquarters building.
“The safety and security of our employees is paramount, and
we will not tolerate actions which place them in jeopardy,” the port said in
its statement. “Everyone deserves a safe workplace.”
The statement also said that port is “working with the
authorities” to ensure that “appropriate action is taken and those responsible
are held accountable.”