An anti-pipeline anarchist group is under investigation by the Montreal police arson squad for allegedly setting fire to two luxury vehicles owned by Michael Fortier..The anarchist group set fire to a Jaguar and Land Rover, which they admit to on the anarchist and anti-authoritarian website Montreal Counter-info..Fortier works for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and was a former minister of Stephen Harper's conservative government..The group accuses Fortier and RBC of continuing to fund the Coastal GasLink and violating Wet’suwet’en land rights..The anonymous submission to the Montreal Counter-info website admits to the arson attack in support of the Wet’suwet’en land defenders on May 4, 2022..“Late in the night, on May 4th, individuals acting in the spirit of vengeance visited the home of Michael Fortier on Chester Avenue," said the post.."Mr. Fortier was a federal cabinet minister under Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Today, he is the vice-chairman of capital markets at the Royal Bank of Canada.".“Tucked away in his big house in the Town of Mont-Royal (a wealthy Montreal neighbourhood separated by a long wall from the poor and exploited), Mr. Fortier no doubt feels at ease with his employer’s decision to continue funding the Coastal GasLink pipeline (or any other disgusting project financed by RBC).”.“On the night in question, flames spread from an incendiary device to the engine block of his Jaguar, parked in front of his home. This act is in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en land defenders and all those who fight the extractive industry.”.The vehicles were sent to a specialized investigation garage to see if arson destroyed them as the group claims to have done, according to the Montreal police..There are multiple videos of the attack from both the group claiming responsibility and home security footage, which the Montreal police have in their possession and are reviewing..“As of now, I can’t confirm that it’s criminal because they have to look at the cars and the videos, so we’re just waiting on that," said Montreal police spokesperson Gabriella Youakim.."It may take some time for the cars, maybe a bit less for the videos, but I think they’re waiting to see something concrete to be able to say yes, it’s an arson.".“As glaciers melt and drought, fire and famine spread, Mr. Fortier may think that his money and connections will protect him, his children and his grandchildren," said the post on the Montreal Counter-info website.."But the ecologically dispossessed will know the names of those responsible. He must understand that no one is safe amid this storm.”.In April, the group claimed two more attacks against the RBC and its employees..The group vandalized several of RBC’s Montreal offices in support of the Wet’suwet’en land defenders..The group said it had “a good time vandalizing” RBC Quebec President Nadine Renaud-Tinker’s home with a paint-filled fire extinguisher..The Montreal police investigation is ongoing.
