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Protests and blockades over a gas pipeline have forced Canadian train operator VIA Rail to cancel all scheduled train trips throughout Canada and stop all transcontinental trains across its Canadian network.

In an issued statement, VIA Rail said:

Following an advisory from the infrastructure owner that they are unable to support our operations across their network, VIA Rail has no other option but to cancel most of its services until further notice.

 VIA Rail is providing full refunds for all cancelled trips, which are being processed automatically. You do not need to contact VIA Rail to confirm the refund, but note that due to the volume of transactions it may take up to 15 days to receive. 

In order to allow be able to help as many customers as possible, we respectfully request that you contact our VIA Customer Center only in cases of immediate urgency, at 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888 842-7245), TTY 800-268-9503 (deaf or hard of hearing).

 We understand the impact this unfortunate situation has on our passengers and regret the significant inconvenience this is causing to their travel.

 

The action results from protests by native Americans (First Nations people) against the proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline, which runs through their lands. Blockades against the pipeline, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government says is essential to boost natural gas exports in British Columbia, began last week.

The Coastal GasLink pipeline runs for 670km and would move natural gas from north-eastern part of the province to the coast.

Some 28% of the pipeline route passes lands owned by the Wet’suwet’en people, who object to it. Wet’suwet’en chiefs say that the project will cause pollution and endanger wildlife.