Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP have charged 28 people following an investigation into activities at the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric site in late October 2016.
Eighteen men and 10 women from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Cartwright, Sheshatshui, Northwest River, Rigolet, Port Hope Simpson and Benoit's Cove have been charged. Summonses have been issued which compel the individuals to appear in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Provincial Court on April 11, 2017.
A total of 60 charges have been laid against the individuals. The charges are:
- Disobeying a court order
- Mischief over $5000
- Mischief
- Taking a motor vehicle without consent
- Breaches of a court order
The RCMP respects and protects the right to peaceful demonstrations as guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The role of the RCMP when unlawful acts occur during a demonstration is to ensure public safety, preserve the peace and enforce the law while upholding the fundamental freedom of peaceful demonstrators.
The police investigation into this matter is continuing.