A visit by B.C.’s Forests minister to a First Nations camp protesting a pipeline northwest of Burns Lake has resulted in controversy.

There are reports Doug Donaldson offered support to protesters despite a court injunction requiring the removal of a blockade preventing pipeline work.

NL was told the minister is unavailable to comment when we requested some clarification.

Kamloops North MLA and environment critic Peter Milobar says that doesn’t cut it.

“I think it speaks to how committed this government is, or isn’t, to LNG. Frankly it is troubling that a minister who is in charge of some of the permits TransCanada would need as well as permits for road access in that area would be saying he would be supporting people that the courts have said do not have jurisdiction to be staying where they are.”

The Coastal Gaslink pipeline once complete would enable a flow of natural gas to the proposed LNG Canada facility near Kitimat, a facility welcomed by the NDP government.

“Well it is confusing. This is a blockade that has been in place for several years. This should have been no surprise especially to Minister Donaldson who lives in the general area. So for the minister who is responsible for some of the permitting to turn around and essentially say he doesn’t agree with a court order is very troubling when you consider ministers of the crown are supposed to uphold court decisions.”

RCMP moved in late Monday to physically remove protesters enforcing the court injunction.