Stalemate over two camps on legislature lawn

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This article was published 25/08/2022 (853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government remained tight-lipped Friday about two encampments at the legislature that have not budged after being handed eviction notices more than a week ago.

On Aug. 17, members of two camps on the north and east lawns of the provincial seat of government were ordered to tear down a medley of tents, teepees and fires by Aug 23. The groups were informed they were violating the Legislative Security Act and regulations that came into force in July prohibiting camps on the grounds of the legislature.

However, as of Friday, no apparent enforcement efforts had been taken to clear the camps.

“The decision to enforce the regulations is made by Manitoba justice department officials, along with law enforcement,” a provincial government spokesperson said in an emailed statement Friday.

The province did not answer when asked if any fines had been issued and why enforcement had not yet occurred. The justice department is continuing its dialogue with people at the camps, the province said.

On Thursday, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said it would be up to law enforcement to manage the encampments.

The focus for city police has been the provision of liaison teams, specifically trained in relationship building, interest-based negotiations and de-escalation, said Winnipeg police Supt. Dave Dalal.

Officers have been establishing a relationship with people at the encampments for months, police said.

“The WPS provides advice and support to justice officials on law enforcement operations and best practices in relation to protests,” Dalal said in an emailed statement.

He deferred questions about enforcement of the Legislative Security Act and its regulations to the province.

In addition to police, provincial peace officers, including protective services and conservation officers, could be tapped to enforce the eviction order.

The provincial government does not seem to be willing to compromise on the eventual removal of the camps, said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean. Attempts by the assembly to start a dialogue with the justice minister’s office have been unsuccessful, he noted.

“We wanted the government at least to come and sit down with us, with them, to come up with a peaceful resolution because we don’t want violence by any means,” McLean said.

“We’re trying to help the province, but they don’t seem to want to help themselves.”

Earlier this week, the AMC called on Premier Heather Stefanson to hold off on evicting the camps. On Thursday, McLean and Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels met with members of the two encampments.

The Sacred Fire Camp on the east lawn was established last June following the discovery of potential unmarked graves at former residential school sites. The second occupation on the north lawn began two months ago and includes a large teepee, which members describe as a law lodge. Participants say they are demonstrating sovereignty over the land through ceremony.

“Hopefully, they can see the way to find a resolution other than turning towards the Winnipeg Police Service and the security of the (Legislature),” McLean said. “They’re just wasting resources on the elderly people there and the fire that’s being maintained, a sacred fire at that.”

On noon Friday, about five police cruisers responded to reports of a person possibly armed with a hammer, police said. However, no one with a hammer was located and all parties spoken to by officers were calm and co-operative, police said.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca