Trains across the country have come to a standstill as pipeline protests continue.
CN Rail announced Thursday they are shutting down all rail operations east of Toronto, while Via Rail stated they are temporarily ending most passenger service throughout the country.
Both companies say the halt in service is due to a rail blockade set by First Nations demonstrators protesting against the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
In a statement, CN Rail said it has cancelled 400 trains in the last week and warns the situation may bring temporary layoffs, while Via Rail said they will be working on refunds for passengers affected by the shutdown.
Last weekend, CN Rail received a court injunction to end the illegal Tyendinaga Mohawk demonstration near Belleville, Ont., where the barricade is located. The injunction threatens to arrest anyone interfering with the rail system.
So far, protesters have ignored the injunction, and Ontario Provincial Police have not stepped in.
The federal government has also not intervened, although they carry jurisdictional authority over railways. Marc Miller, Indigenous Services Minister, has agreed to meet with the Mohawks on Saturday.
