Loss Of Service Has Indian Band Upset

Is this poetic justice? The band's nose is out of joint because they are inconvenienced because of a labour dispute.

Lytton band rallies against ferry service cut

Updated Fri. Jul. 13 2007 5:19 PM ET

Canadian Press

LYTTON. B.C. -- The Lytton First Nation has decided not to block the Trans-Canada Highway for a second time Friday and will hold a community rally instead.

The band closed the highway for two hours Wednesday to voice complaints about reduced ferry service across the Fraser River because of a labour dispute.

A second blockade was being considered but Health Minister George Abbott will be visiting the village Friday to break ground on a new hospital and band members hope to draw his attention to the issue by staging a rally.

The band staged a blockade Wednesday on the route through the Fraser Canyon to protest reduced hours on the ferry brought about by a strike-lockout at VSA Highway Maintenance.

Chief Byron Spinks said Thursday he's waiting to hear a response from the province on the ferry, which is the band's main link across the Fraser River.

However, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon said the Labour Relations Board has set essential service levels for the ferry and the band should take up the issue with the highway company and its union.

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs issued an "urgent'' appeal for support for the Lytton First Nation.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said the call to action includes simultaneous rallies, demonstrations and road closures.

He said Falcon's response has been inadequate.

"I must say however Minister Falcon's provocative and threatening public statements do not bode well for the future of this issue,'' Phillip said.

"We're going to see what the meeting brings today and tomorrow there's a large demonstration and rally planned for Lytton to begin at one o'clock in the afternoon."

Wednesday's protest backed up traffic on the Trans-Canada for several kilometres, leaving frustrated drivers steaming in their vehicles while temperatures outside hit almost 40 degrees.

Lytton Mayor Chris O'Conner said everyone can sympathize with what's happened to those on the other side of the Fraser.

"Imagine that somebody blocked your main road into your street and said `oh, you only have access to it six hours a day.' How would you feel? Because that's essentially what's being done to the people who live on the west side of the Fraser."

Without the ferry, the 400 people living on the reserve are isolated by a nearly four-hour detour over logging roads or a dangerous and illegal walk over an elevated rail bridge.