Legal Aid BC is providing legal aid for people facing criminal enforcement proceedings relating to the court injunction at Fairy Creek, or other criminal charges due to participation in ongoing anti-logging protests at the site.
Fairy Creek, located near Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island, is the site of protests against the logging of ancient forests there. A Supreme Court civil injunction was obtained against protest activities that prevented logging and road-building activities.
With more than 1,000 people arrested so far, the Fairy Creek protests are being called the largest in Canadian history. RCMP continue to enforce the injunction against the protestors.
Legal aid is available to financially eligible applicants facing contempt proceedings and those charged with criminal offences in relation to the protests. People who qualify for legal aid will receive advice from a lawyer. The nature and extent of legal help depends on the circumstances of each case.
Dozens of protesters have applied for legal aid, and as arrests continue, we expect hundreds of protesters will qualify for some type of legal representation from Legal Aid BC.
To find out how protesters can apply for legal aid, see legalaid.bc.ca/fairy-creek