Idle No More blocks rail line near Truro

Idle No More protesters blocked a rail line near Truro, N.S., Friday afternoon.

A Via Rail train scheduled to leave Halifax Friday afternoon departed early and its 53 passengers were put ona bus to avoid the First Nations blockade near Truro, N.S.,CBC News has learned.

Meanwhile, about 300 people gathered in Halifax's Grand Parade to voice support for the Idle No More movement. There are also reports of Idle No More protests in Bridgewater and Wolfville as part of anational call to action Friday.

A Via spokeswoman said they brought in the bus because of the blockade near the CN rail line around Truro. The train left Halifax empty before the blockade startedand thepassengers met it in Truro.

Chief Bob Gloade of Millbrook First Nation said the blockade of passenger and freight trains was planned as part of Idle No more protests across the country. It began at 2 p.m. Friday. Protester Nolan Martin said they could be there for a while.

Gloade said the blockade is sanctioned by the band council. The tracks cross Millbrook land.

Canadian National says it is talking with aboriginal organizers in Nova Scotia about their plans to block trains running between Halifax and Truro.