Premier’s car windshield smashed by protestors leaving Wolfville event

Houston was in town for ‘State of Province’ chamber of commerce event

A protest turned violent as Premier Tim Houston kicked off a series of state of the province addresses in Wolfville on Wednesday. Hundreds of protestors gathered outside Acadia University’s Fountain Commons as the premier gave his speech. As the premier and his staff tried to leave the venue, their vehicles were “swarmed by rioters, preventing them from leaving,” a statement from the Premier’s Office said.

“These criminals blocked them in, were pushing law enforcement, climbing onto the car the premier was in and smashed the windshield with the premier in the car.” Related Tim Houston's approval drops to 39 per cent amid budget backlash No additional provincial money coming to prevent Annapolis Valley library closures: Ritcey Premier defends creation of Accelerate Nova Scotia, rejecting criticism of Oldfield appointment RCMP spokesperson Cindy Bayers said the Kings District RCMP responded to a report of concerns for safety as protestors blocked the premier from leaving Acadia. For safety reasons, the premier and members of his party returned inside the building while officers managed the situation.

“No injuries were reported,” Bayers said. “One man was safely arrested and later released without charges. An investigation is ongoing.”

Because windows were open, the protestors could be heard inside throughout the luncheon. There were several messages directed at Houston, including respect for Mi’kmaq treaty rights; increased funding support for libraries, arts, culture, heritage, and universities; and anti-clearcutting, anti-uranium mining, and anti-fracking demonstrations. “I would like to engage with them, but I don’t think they’re ready to engage just yet, and that’s fine.

That’s all part of our process,” Houston said during his speech to the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce. The statement from the Premier’s Office said there was “an extreme faction” amongst the protestors who turned the event violent. “While we always respect the right of the public to peacefully protest, what happened after the event was the farthest thing from peaceful,” the statement says.

The Premier’s Office thanked the RCMP and law enforcement for “their swift response in what was a very volatile situation.” The statement goes on to say that as evidenced by this tour of the province, the premier will engage with anyone, listen, and has shown he will change his mind based on those respectful conversations. “When bad actors resort to damaging property and putting lives at risk, they do nothing to advance constructive dialogue,” the statement said.

“That’s not the Bluenoser way.” Bayers said individuals have a protected right to lawfully, peacefully, and safely assemble. When the RCMP receives calls for service or intervention related to protests or strikes, officers employ a measured approach, using the level of intervention necessary to promote safety.

“Public safety and security remain our top priority,” Bayers said. The premier’s tour is scheduled for Yarmouth on Thursday, with five more stops between July 28 and Aug. 13.