Police probe anti-pipeline anarchists over suspected arson
OTTAWA — Montreal police are investigating if anti-pipeline anarchists are behind a fire that destroyed two luxury vehicles at the home of former Conservative minister and current RBC executive Michael Fortier.
The incident is just the latest of a rash of attacks against Royal Bank of Canada and its executives' properties over the last few months by anarchists opposed to the organization's funding of the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline in British Columbia.
They claim to be acting in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en land defenders, who oppose the project.
Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) confirmed they were investigating how a Jaguar and a Land Rover caught fire during the night last Wednesday. On Tuesday, police spokesperson Gabriella Youakim said police sent both vehicles to a specialized garage for analysis.
She also confirmed police were analyzing both surveillance footage from the property as well as at least one video she said was circulating online involving the incident.
“As of now, I can't confirm that it's criminal because they have to look at the cars and the videos, so we're just waiting on that. It may take some time for the cars, maybe a bit less (time) for the videos, but I think they're waiting to see something concrete to be able to say yes, it's an arson,” Youakim said.
But according to an “anonymous submission” on anarchist website MTL Counter-info, the fires were started by a group of anarchists “acting in the spirit of vengeance” using an “incendiary device” on Fortier's Jaguar parked in front of his home.
“As glaciers melt and drought, fire and famine spread, Mr. Fortier may think that his money and connections will protect him, his children and his grandchildren. But the ecologically dispossessed will know the names of those responsible. He must understand that no one is safe amid this storm,” reads the communiqué.
“This act is in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en land defenders and all those who fight the extractive industry.”
Fortier did not respond to a voicemail left at his Montreal home.
In a statement, RBC said it was relieved that no one was hurt by this “act of violence.” Spokesperson Rafael Ruffolo would not say if the bank was concerned about more similar attacks on bank or employees' property. “The safety of our employees and our communities is our primary concern and top priority. This act of violence could have put anyone at risk and we are grateful no one was harmed,” Ruffolo said by email.
Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Stephen Harper, denounced the “appalling political violence” against Fortier, adding that it was a “miracle” that neither Fortier nor his family was injured.