File photo.
The prime minister is set to meet Canadian Coast Guard officials in Victoria Thursday, but many more are planning a confrontational greeting for Justin Trudeau.
More than 120 people Thursday morning said they are joining a “No Consent, No Pipeline!” protest when Trudeau discusses marine safety and spill prevention at the Canadian Coast Guard Base on Huron Street in Victoria.
The prime minister’s office says Trudeau is scheduled to meet the Coast Guard at 2:30 p.m. with a media availability an hour later.
The Facebook page, hosted by pipeline opponent Wilderness Committee, is telling protesters to “send a simple message: the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline will never be built!”
The group says the expansion can’t proceed without the consent of Indigenous and local communities.
Trudeau is starting his western Canadian trip in an effort to spread Ottawa’s message of balancing environmental concerns with the economy.
Trudeau’s visit will not include a meeting with B.C. Premier John Horgan, whose NDP government has opposed construction of the pipeline without preventative measures in place against oil spills.
The prime minister will also make his way to Vancouver where he will attend a round-table discussion on clean technology.
A rally is planned with hundreds anticipated outside the hotel where Trudeau will be speaking at an evening Liberal party fundraiser.
On Friday, Trudeau will head to Fort McMurray, Alberta, to meet with leaders of the energy sector and local First Nations.
With files from the Canadian Press.
Andy Neal
