Provincial police closed Montreal's Jacques Cartier Bridge, pictured in March, in both directions and were working to convince environmental protesters to come down as of mid-morning on Oct. 22.Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press
A pair of environmental protesters scaled Montreal’s Jacques Cartier Bridge early Tuesday morning, leading police to close one of the main access points onto the island during the morning rush hour.
Provincial police announced at around noon that the bridge had been reopened to traffic as the protesters began their descent from the span.
The groups Last Generation Canada and Antigone Collective took credit for the protest and said they’re demanding an end to fossil fuel extraction and denouncing government inaction on climate change.
They said in a news release that two of their supporters climbed the bridge at around 5 a.m. and unfurled a banner reading, “Oil is killing us.”
Photos and videos published on social media showed the two men in helmets and climbing gear posing atop the bridge structure with various banners, including one calling for the closure of Enbridge’s Line 9B pipeline.
Provincial police closed the bridge in both directions, leading to major delays for commuters.
Spokesman Lt. Benoit Richard told reporters that police had no other choice in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.