Trudeau to speak to federal ministers on B.C. protests

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Senegal today, wrapping up a trip through Africa, but he has been kept apprised of growing protests and blockades by opponents of the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline across northern BC.

Freight trains bound for the Port of Prince Rupert have been stalled for days by a blockade near New Hazelton, and Via Rail and CN both say blockades in BC, Ontario and Quebec are affecting the movement of thousands of passengers and tonnes of goods.

Trudeau says while the federal government respects the right to peaceful protest, the rule of law must also be respected.

He says he'll speak with federal cabinet ministers about the issue later today but he's also calling on all sides to sit down and resolve their differences.