Updated Thu. Jun. 28 2007 3:01 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
In anticipation of a day of native protest that could target rail and highway lands, Via Rail is shutting down service Friday on its Toronto-Montreal and Toronto-Ottawa routes.
A news release issued Thursday afternoon says:
"Additionally, due to the uncertainty of the situation and anticipated location of a blockage, VIA's late evening and early morning trains between Toronto and Kingston have also been affected as follows:
As well, passengers arriving in Montreal on June 29th on board VIA train No.15 from Halifax with connections to Ontario (Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Toronto) will be accommodated by chartered motor coach."
Fontaine calls for peace
First Nations leaders had been promising to ensure public safety and security during Friday's protests, but there had been no reassurances about highway or railway blockades.
National Chief Phil Fontaine reiterated Thursday that while Canada's Aboriginal People are facing a "crisis situation," Friday's national day of action should not result in conflict.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Fontaine said June 29 should be a peaceful and united day nationwide to express "an urgent call to address the crisis situation in our communities."
"There is no time to waste in taking action to address the crisis situation in First Nations communities," Fontaine said.
Citing poor-water quality, lack of education and staggering poverty, Fontaine said the frustrations of aboriginal people are high, but change can only come through negotiation and not conflict.
"Some have misrepresented or misinterpreted this day of action, but understand that the Assembly of First Nations is focused on positive action," Fontaine said.
"Tomorrow, the real story will not be about conflict, it will be about the many events taking place across the country, which combined make for one of the largest rallies ever held in Canada."
Fontaine will be joined in Ottawa for a march of solidarity by Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, NDP Leader Jack Layton and Canadian Auto Workers President Buzz Hargrove.
"First Nations have a strong interest in ensuring public safety and security during the various events that will occur tomorrow," Fontaine said.
Politicians urge peace
Canada's premiers and territorial leaders issued a joint statement Thursday morning urging organizers and protestors to demonstrate peacefully.
"Together with other Canadians, we respect the right of Canada's First Nations leadership to organize a National Day of Action. At the same time, we ask that leaders ensure that all actions are peaceful and law-abiding," the statement read.
"Our hope is that history records June 29 as a day of promise, one that affirms our shared goal of building a higher quality of life for First Nations people and a stronger Canada for all."
Aboriginal leaders across the country echoed the call for peaceful marches and discouraged confrontations for fear that public support of aboriginal issues should weaken.
Concerns remain some communities may set up illegal protests such as highway or railway blockades.
Via Rail warned passengers this week about possible delays should blockades appear.
The leaders added they hope Friday builds bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
"This day is an opportunity to strengthen public knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture, history, traditions and aspirations, and to rededicate ourselves to the work ahead in forging new and meaningful relationships," reads the premiers' statement.
Former prime minister Paul Martin said Wednesday that unrest and confrontation would only divert attention away from pressing aboriginal issues.
"I think it's so important that this day not be marred by illegal activities and blockades," Martin, speaking during a public form on native rights, said.
"I think the case for fairness, equality of opportunity, education and health care are just simply too important to be diverted by such acts."
Martin said he believes June 29 will be a successful day that will bring awareness to native issues.
"I think that on June 29, the case to get aboriginal Canadians access to what we consider basic values is going to be made peacefully and strongly," he said.
Mohawk protester Shawn Brant has emerged as a lonesome voice of hard-line native militancy, plotting major disruption to garner attention for native issues.
"We're going to have that expression of strength and solidarity across this country,'' Brant told the Canadian Press on Tuesday.
"Then we'll step back and say: 'You absorb this.' Because the next time we come out, it's going to be harder, it's going to be longer and it's going to have an impact on this economy that Canada can't imagine at this point.
"We've had enough.''