Fairy Creek blockade

Brian Smallshaw is still waiting for an apology from RCMP for his wrongful arrest near Fairy Creek logging protests. But the historian from Salt Spring is satisfied with the results of an RCMP Civilian Review and Complaints Commission investigation, released in its entirety this week, that found officers were out of line when they arrested him for ‘obstructing a peace officer’ three years ago.

The BC Prosecution Service says it's dropping 146 cases against old-growth logging protesters after Canada's highest court refused to hear an appeal against the acquittal of a demonstrator who had been cleared of criminal contempt.

The Pacheedaht leadership does not welcome old-growth activists within its territory on south Vancouver Island, and it is the nation's right to determine how forestry resources will be used, read a statement from elected and hereditary chiefs on Monday.

Meanwhile, increasing numbers of people, frustrated by the rate at which the province is protecting old-growth, are heading to the Fairy Creek blockades near Port Renfrew in the B.C. premier’s Vancouver Island riding. 

Fairy Creek activists say Thursday's court decision to remove blockaders protecting old-growth trees from logging in cut blocks on southern Vancouver Island will only act as a “flashpoint” for growing public support.

Almost 30 communities are planning demonstrations, actions or activities Friday as part of this year’s Forest March BC, and more will likely come on board as the hours go by, says organizer Taryn Skalbania.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Power granted a request by the blockade’s legal team for more time to assemble materials necessary for a defence against the injunction.

Protesters attempting to protect some of the last stands of old-growth forest on southern Vancouver Island are facing arrest if a logging company gets court approval to disband their camps this week.