NEW HAVEN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, - The interim leader of Prince Edward Island's Green party says she was arrested after protesting the clearing of land to make way for the realignment of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Darcie Lanthier said in a telephone interview on Tuesday that she was taken into custody at the construction site about 30 kilometres west of Charlottetown after refusing to leave the area.
Opponents of the $16-million highway project say it will destroy arable fields and an untouched stand of old-growth hemlock, as well as a popular hiking trail and a fishing area.
Lanthier, 50, of Charlottetown said she was released and expects to be charged with resisting arrest and mischief.
RCMP Sgt. Andrew Blackadar said a woman was arrested and will face criminal charges of mischief and resisting arrest.
He declined to release the woman's name.
Blackadar alleged the woman was lying in camouflage gear in front of a tractor before police carried her from the site.
He said five protesters were issued summary offence tickets for trespassing earlier Tuesday after refusing to leave the fenced-off area.
Lanthier said protesters would remain in tents in a hemlock forest near the construction site and protests against the project will continue.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
