Release report into RCMP conduct during Rexton protests, says anti-shale gas group
RCMP vehicles burned, dozens arrested in October 2013 protests in Kent County
CBC News·
Vehicles were burned at the scene of a shale gas protest in Rexton six years. Anti-shale activists want the report into RCMP conduct during the violent clashes made public. (Courtesy of Gilles Boudreau)
Anti-shale gas activists are calling for the release of an independent investigation into RCMP action during violent protests in Rexton six years ago.
Dozens were arrested during months of protests near Elsipogtog First Nation that saw a blockade erected on Route 134 to stop gas exploration in the area.
In October 2013, RCMP officers used force to disperse protesters and six RCMP vehicles were burned during the clashes.
The independent Civilian Review and Complaints Commission investigated complaints about police conduct during the protests. Commissioners held public meetings in the Kent County area in 2015.
The New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance says it has heard nothing from the commission since that time, and it's tired of waiting. It's calling on RCMP and government officials to release the commission's findings.
Alliance spokesperson Denise Melanson says it's important to know the truth.
Denise Melanson, a spokesperson for the New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance, said the group is becoming impatient and wants to see the report. (Radio-Canada)
"What happened was so anti-democratic and, you know, when governments use force and the secret state to impose things on the public, we're not talking about a democracy anymore," Melanson said.
"This is really, really important. And it's not just that I need to prove that I was right about what happened. It's more that we really need to know that our government isn't behaving like this."
Report delivered to RCMP
In an email, a spokesperson for the commission confirmed the Rexton riot report was delivered to the RCMP last March.
When the RCMP commissioner's office reacts, the commission will prepare its final report, the spokesperson said.
The report contains testimony from 130 witnesses, 50,000 records and thousands of video files.
The evidence gathered is voluminous: 130 civilian witnesses were heard, 50,000 records and thousands of video files collected, which may explain why the investigation lasted so long.
The Council of Canadians is circulating a petition to ask Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale to release the report.
CBC News also contacted Public Safety Canada. The department referred the query back to the complaints commission.
Fred Brewer "When the RCMP commissioner's office reacts, the commission will prepare its final report, the spokesperson said." This makes me think that what they are really saying is that when the RCMP tells them what to say, then they will finish the report.
David Raymond Amos Methinks the RCMP and everybody else knows that Roger Richard and I have been beating on that drum for years N'esy Pas?
Nancy Alcox If you really want to know what’s going on in our country at protests like this one, read this book. You will be shocked or not..all of the information is documented.
Reply to @Nancy Alcox: Better yet go to Federal Court and pull my file
Shawn Tabor Most folks don’t know what happened there, and what the true motive was behind it. To funny. Whatever, LOL
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Shawn Tabor: You know I do and its not one bit funny
Chris Merriam
That was not a peaceful protest. It was a s#!@show. And I have no idea what makes anyone think that they have the right to shut down a highway...ever. The conflict went on for far too long. The rcmp should have gone in much sooner amd cleaned house. Full stop.
Chantal LeBouthi
Reply to @Chris Merriam: Do you live in that aria
Al Clark
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: You spelled area wrong (intentionally) Len..
Al Clark
Reply to @Chris Merriam: Yes, the RCMP were pathetic. They let them build a critical mass, praying it would go away. Then made a sad attempt when it was way too late. They were afraid of another ipperwash, but if they had acted in a timely manner nothing would have happened.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Al Clark: Pure D BS
Johnny Jakobs
Lol... can't be anything positive in that report.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Methinks everybody knows the lawyer who wrote the report was dismissed long ago N'esy Pas?
Buddy Best It would have to be white washed first. Who do they really work for? I used to have a lot of respect for law enforcement.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Buddy Best: Methinks folks truly care about police corruption should ask the RCMP why they picked a fight with me in 1982 AFTER they had hired me to testify as an expert in a Coroner's Inquiry N'esy Pas?
Wayne Mac Arthur It should be noted by the spokesperson that anarchy is also not seen to be a democratic expression.
Do you live in that aria
They were afraid of another ipperwash, but if they had acted in a timely manner nothing would have happened.