TRANSPORTING TRANSFORMERS
Nalcor Energy issued a public advisory on July 13 to inform the public that seven transformers bound for Muskrat Falls will be transported from Cartwright to the worksite starting July 26. Shortly after that, large numbers of RCMP officers began to show up in Happy Valley-goose Bay, literally busloads of officers.
Nalcor Energy issued a public advisory on July 13 to inform the public that seven transformers bound for Muskrat Falls will be transported from Cartwright to the worksite starting July 26. Shortly after that, large numbers of RCMP officers began to show up in Happy Valley-goose Bay, literally busloads of officers. Numbers between 150-350 are being thrown around on social media.
When contacted by The Labradorian regarding the large police presence in the area, RCMP NL director of communications Laura Hepditch said with the upcoming move of the transformers to the Muskrat Falls site, the RCMP is bringing additional resources to Labrador so they can be prepared in the interest of public safety.
“The transportation route for the transformers covers a long distance and is remote in some areas and these additional RCMP resources are needed to ensure public safety along that planned route,” Hepditch said.
The movement of the transformers has been a contentious one for some time, with chatter on social media abounding. Some call for the boats to be stopped from landing with the transformers, others call for different actions, including inaction as an action unto itself.
Denise Cole, a spokesperson for the Labrador Land Protectors, said this amount of police officers for an equipment move is analogous to martial law.
“We want an independent review of the North Spur, public inquiry, full clearing of the reservoir and government says we are over budget and can’t stop for anything … yet they can bring martial law and repurpose RCMP officers into equipment chaperones for Nalcor. Let that reality set in.”
Cole said it doesn’t say much for democracy if the RCMP believes many people are upset and willing to risk their freedom by being arrested. The government should try to work with them, not arrest them, she said.
All of Canada needs to pay attention to what the government is willing to do for its energy projects, she said.
“We need the world to watch and come here to Labrador en mass to protect with us, because it’s our whole country at risk. This is the same month as Canada 150 and here we are, this is the start of the next 150. What has changed? How is this any different from the history government claims to not want to repeat? This is the real truth, there is no reconciliation, only continued colonialism in the guise of capitalism.”
Hepditch said the RCMP’S primary goal throughout this move is to keep people safe and secure. They have been meeting with residents, community leaders, business owners and other organizations in Labrador to inform them about the planned work over the next few months, she said, and will continue to meet with these groups and residents to address any concerns.
“Our role is also to uphold and protect the right of Canadians to peacefully and lawfully express their opinions and views and to ensure public order so that businesses and their employees can safely carry out their lawful work,” she said.