Traffic was backed up on Hwy 2 north of Prince Albert Tuesday afternoon because of a group of people protesting Bill C-5. (Submitted photo)
Protesting Bill C-5

Tickets issued to protestors unlawfully walking on Hwy 2 near Prince Albert

Jul 1, 2025 | 8:04 PM

A group of protestors slowed down traffic on Tuesday afternoon about 20 kilometers north of Prince Albert. One of them was taken into custody.

It happened around 3 p.m. when Prince Albert RCMP started to receive calls from the public about two women and five men blocking a bridge on Hwy 2. Police said several drivers reported that the protestors hit their vehicle as they drove past.

Four Prince Albert RCMP and one Prince Albert Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan officer responded. They tried to get the group off the roadway, but the protestors refused and were subsequently issued tickets under the Traffic Safety Act for unlawfully walking on a highway. Police said, for safety reasons, one of the women who refused to leave the highway was arrested. No charges have been laid. Hwy 2 was cleared a short time later.

The protestors had signs saying ‘Obstruction of Treaty Rights’ and ‘Say No to Bill C-5.’

Earlier this week, the Senate passed the Liberal government’s controversial major projects bill.

The legislation gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects intended to boost the national economy by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation.

The politically charged legislation has angered Indigenous and environmental groups who criticize the government for rushing to grant itself sweeping new powers to speed up development.

Several Indigenous leaders called on MPs and senators to slow the bill’s passage to give Indigenous communities more time to suggest amendments and review the legislation with their lawyers.

-With files from The Canadian Press

panews@pattisonmedia.com

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