The court hearing regarding a potential injunction to remove the blockade on the main road leading to a Winnipeg landfill has been adjourned until Thursday. Justice Sheldon Lanchberry made the decision and instructed the city to issue a news release with all the necessary details about the hearing. This adjournment will provide the respondents, including Robyn Johnston representing the families of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris, an opportunity to secure legal counsel.
Johnston, who is not a lawyer, requested the adjournment due to limited time to obtain legal representation. The affidavit was only provided to them yesterday, leaving them unaware of the situation until last night. Johnston expressed gratitude that the judge allowed the extension, acknowledging the importance of having proper legal representation.
The blockade at the Brady Road landfill was initiated on July 6 in response to the provincial government’s decision not to support a search for the bodies of Harris and Myran at the Prairie Green landfill outside of the city. The families have been advocating for the search after the partial remains of Rebecca Contois were discovered in the Brady Landfill last year.
Jeremy Skibicki has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Contois, Harris, Myran, and an unidentified woman referred to as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe or Buffalo Woman by Indigenous leaders. Buffalo Woman’s remains have not yet been located.
Johnston emphasized that granting the injunction would not be justifiable, as their camp is peaceful and open to anyone. She highlighted their commitment to teaching and assisting others.
The city, in its application filed on Tuesday, expressed concerns over the lack of access to the landfill. They cited potential risks to environmental health and safety, such as the combustion of waste materials, toxic gas buildup, the accumulation and potential leakage of toxic liquids, increased odors and littering, and the inability to conduct necessary testing.
The adjournment will allow for further legal deliberation and ensure all parties have an opportunity to present their cases before the court.