Pipeline protesters ticketed for occupying MP Chagger's Waterloo office

Some of the demonstrators who occupied Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger's office Monday afternoon have been given $65 tickets for trespassing.

The move to occupy Chagger's office came after a rally at the University of Waterloo, followed by demonstrators walking down University Avenue and then King Street, at times stopping traffic at intersections for a few minutes. The group was bringing awareness to the ongoing protest by the Wet'suwet'en Nation over a natural gas pipeline project in British Columbia.

Police were called to Chagger's office, Const. Ashley Dietrich said.

"Some of the protestors left the building peacefully, however six protestors were arrested under the Trespass to Property Act after they failed to leave the premise when directed," Dietrich said.

She noted all of the people were asked to leave and were given "numerous opportunities" to do so to avoid being arrested, but they declined.

Dietrich said demonstrators can choose to pay the fines or attend court to fight them.

Demonstrators who spoke to CBC Kitchener-Waterloo said Chagger left the office shortly after they arrived.

In a statement, Chagger said she spoke tothe demonstrators before she left.

"I have the utmost respect for the freedom of expression, indeed it is a cornerstone of our democracy," Chagger said.

"I also recognize the need to keep the safety and security of individuals in mind. As my office is located within Waterloo City Hall, an operation decision was made by authorities."