Anti-logging protesters at Fairy Creek in British Columbia have won an appeal in their bid to have their case certified as a class-action lawsuit. The decision, handed down on May 20, 2026, marks a significant legal victory for activists who have been demonstrating against old-growth logging in the region.
Appeal Court Ruling
The British Columbia Court of Appeal overturned a lower court ruling that had denied class-action certification. The protesters argue that their rights were violated during police enforcement of a court injunction against their blockade. The appeal court found that the issues raised by the protesters could be common to a larger group, allowing the class-action bid to proceed.
Background of the Protest
The Fairy Creek protests began in 2020 and became one of the largest acts of civil disobedience in Canadian history. Demonstrators sought to protect ancient old-growth trees in the Fairy Creek watershed on Vancouver Island. The protests led to hundreds of arrests as police enforced a court order obtained by logging company Teal Cedar Products.
The class-action lawsuit aims to hold the province and police accountable for alleged excessive force and rights violations during the enforcement. The appeal court's decision does not determine the merits of the case but allows it to move forward as a class action.
Reactions
Lawyers for the protesters welcomed the ruling, stating it provides an opportunity for all affected individuals to seek justice collectively. The B.C. government has not yet commented on whether it will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Fairy Creek case has drawn international attention to old-growth logging practices in British Columbia. Environmental groups have called for a permanent halt to logging in ancient forests, while the province has implemented some deferrals but continues to allow logging in certain areas.
