Renewed protests in support of Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs erupt across B.C.

Protests by Wet'suwet'en supporters spreadacross British Columbia again on Monday afternoon, blocking public transit, the Port of Vancouver and the stairs to the B.C. Legislature.

The fresh demonstrations came after police in Ontario made severalarrests earlierMonday while clearing a rail blockadein Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory erectedin support of the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs who oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C.

All West Coast Express trains heading east from Vancouver to Mission were cancelled Monday afternoonduring the rush hour commute as protesters blockedtracks in the Port Haney area.

The tracks were clearby evening, and the trains are expected to run regular service Tuesday morning.

Crowds gather at B.C. Legislature

By mid-afternoon, hundreds of peoplehadgathered near the entrance totheB.C. Legislature.

Police stood on the stairs flanking protesters,but there were no reports of arrests. Later, protestersblocked the progress of a police van that arrived at the legislature. They linked arms and chanted, "peaceful and with love, unarmed and non-violent.''

Some protesterslocked themselves to a gate at thelegislature, which was the scene of a large proteston Feb. 11, which prompted the province to obtain an injunction when entrances to the building were blocked.

Organizers said Mondaythey're stayingfor the long haul.

"We are not here seeking arrest,'' said Indigenous youth leader Ta'Kiaya Blaney, speaking with a megaphone. "We are here as our duty as Indigenous youth. Bring your blankets, it's going to be a long night.''

Protest at Vancouverport

Nearly 100people also blocked access to the Port of Vancouver at East Hastings Street and Clark Drive, preventing container trucks from leaving the port.

WATCH | Protesters march through Vancouver blocking traffic:

Demonstrators block access to Port of Vancouver entrance

5 years ago

Duration 0:56

The group claiming responsibility for the demonstration says its actions are a show of solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs

A line of seven trucks en route from the port quickly backed up after demonstrators blocked the intersectionaround 2:30 p.m. PT.Vancouver police rerouted traffic from the area.

An injunction, granted by the B.C. Supreme Court on Feb. 9, is still in effect at the port. A spokesperson with Port of Vancouver said it isworking with police to address the protest.

More than 50 demonstrators were arrested atports in B.C.'s Lower Mainland in earlier protests this month.

A new CN Rail blockade was alsoset up in northwestern B.C. on Monday near New Hazelton, north of Smithers, less than two weeksafter one was dismantled at the same location.

The railway runs through the territory ofGitx'san Nation, members of which were at the blockade.

On Monday evening, several people were arrested at the blockade, according to Linda Stephens whosaw her husbandGitx'san Nation Hereditary Chief Spookw arrested by police.

"People are pretty upset that these hereditarychiefs are being arrested on their own territory,"she said.

A number of people had been occupying the Mohawk territory for weeks in solidarity with the hereditary chiefs of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation, who oppose the development of the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline a project that would crosstheir traditional territory in northern B.C.

The Ontario blockade has brought freight and passenger rail traffic to a virtual standstill since it was built on Feb. 6, near Belleville. On Mondaymorning, dozens of police officers arrived at the encampment and began making arrests after demonstrators stayed past a midnight deadline.

Numerous similar rail and road blockades have sprung up in multiple provinces throughout the month, halting freight and passenger train service for much of the country.

A representative with Monday's demonstration in Vancouver saidsolidarity actions will continue until the demands of the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs have been met.