A coalition of protesters behind a forestry blockade at Fairy Creek near Port Renfrew has served the province a third-party notice that brings the government into the civil action by logging company Teal Jones against protesters.
The notice from the Rainforest Flying Squad asks government to suspend or amend cut blocks and road permits in the Fairy Creek and Brown’s Mountain/Creek watershed areas, noting the provincial government is responsible for forest management policy and operations.
“In the case of Teal Jones, government has authorized the ongoing clear cutting of the ancient rainforests within Tree Farm Licence #46, despite the irreparable harm to the public interest,” the Rainforest Flying Group said in a statement.
The group contends the government is infringing on the Charter rights and freedom of religion of Bill Jones, a Pacheedaht First Nations elder who has practised meditation and spirituality in the Fairy Creek forest.
The Rainforest Flying Squad said it is also arguing “considerations related to the government’s responsibilities under the Climate Change Accountability Act.”
