Greenpeace activists arrested after scaling Big O in protest of Trans Mountain
Climbers install banner that says, 'Don't dirty our money: Stop pipelines'
A group of Greenpeace activists were arrested after scaling the Montreal Olympic Stadium tower in protest of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to spend $4.5 billion to buy the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Five activists made the climb Thursday morning to install a banner saying, "Stop pipelines: Don't dirty our money."
The tower is 165 metres high and is perched at a 45-degree angle. According to the stadium's website, it's the tallest inclined tower in the world. The banner was hung about 60 metres off the ground.
Montreal police waited for the activists to set up the banner and climb down before arresting them. The climbers were released shortly after on promises to appear in court at a later date.
Two of the activists had been helping the climbers from the ground.
In all, four men and three women are facing charges of of mischief and conspiracy.
The federal Liberals announced the government's decision to buy the pipeline in the spring and Trudeau's cabinet shuffle this week brought the file back into headlines.
Standing at the foot of the Big O, a representative from Greenpeace told reporters the decision flies in the face of efforts to fight climate change.
"In 2018, we must invest in energy transition. We can't finance projects that destroy our environment and climate," said Isabelle L'Héritier.
The newly appointed Minister of Natural Resources is Edmonton MP Amarjeet Sohi, who said the Trans Mountain expansion would be a priority for him.
Albertans are largely in favour of the project because of the financial impact it could have on the province's economy.