Vancouver’s noon hour ‘Idle No More’ rally Wednesday started slowly, but the crowd gradually grew to more than 100.
Holding up signs and playing traditional ceremonial prayers on the drums, demonstrators gathered outside the Wall Centre where hearings on the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline are being held.
Speakers –including Frank Brown of Bella Bella– are vowing to block tanker traffic off the BC coast.
“And the people from the Interior aren’t going to stand idly by when they attempt to ram this thing through.”
Brown’s also dismissing claims ‘Idle No More’ is about demanding government handouts.
While dozens rallied peacefully outside, dozens more were lined up inside the Wall Centre to have their say about the massive proposal to transport bitumen from Alberta’s oilsands through BC and off our coast to Asia.
BC’s Environment Critic — Rob Fleming– was one of many speakers against it.
“Even if the project is approved, but doesn’t proceed, it stands there on the books for years to come as a clear and present, I think. The responsible thing to do is to exercise BC’s constitutional rights, it’s clear jurisdiction over issues around wildlife management, air and water quality. The BC Liberals didn’t even present evidence to the National Energy Board, even though they’re a registered intervenor.”
Fleming is also accusing the Clark government of waiting too long to consider the pipeline’s impact on British Columbians.
About The Reporter
