Judge upholds injunction barring rail blockades on CN Rail eastern Ont. Lines

Canadian Press

Published: Thursday, May 17, 2007

TORONTO (CP) - An Ontario Superior Court judge has temporarily upheld an injunction barring further blockades on Canadian National Railway's (TSX:CNR) rail lines in eastern Ontario.

The injunction was granted April 20 after aboriginal protesters set up a rail blockade near Deseronto, Ont., some 30 kilometres west of Kingston.

CN Rail has also filed a lawsuit seeking to recover damages incurred during the 30-hour blockade.

The protesters, who are members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, are demanding the licence to a nearby quarry on disputed land known as the Culbertson Tract be revoked until a claim is settled.

Peter Rosenthal, lawyer for protest leader Shawn Brant, says the defence was not prepared to properly respond to details in an application filed by CN Rail for a more lengthy injunction.

Both sides are expected to return to court to deal with the injunction application in the coming months.