RCMP patrolling, pipeline custruction stopped, as the meeting with Wet'suwet'en chiefs proceeds

Coastal GasLink has agreed to a two-day pause in its activities in northwestern B.C. during talks taking place between federal government ministers and hereditary chiefs of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation.

The R-C-M-P has also committed to ending patrols along a critical roadway during the discussions that are set to continue through tomorrow.

The chiefs praised the moves in a statement released shortly before talks got underway this afternoon in Smithers.

They say the actions provide the space needed to sit down at the table in good faith to discuss their opposition to Coastal GasLink's natural gas pipeline, which has sparked blockades by supporters that have shut down rail service for the past three weeks.