An estimated 200 people came together in Davis Bay last Saturday, joining thousands more across the country in a national Defend Our Climate, Defend Our Communities day of action to show growing opposition to the risks posed by pipelines and oil sands expansion to our climate and communities.
More than 130 communities took part in the event.
According to rally participant Roger Lagassé, speakers encouraged everyone to work in solidarity to oppose environmentally risky mega-projects, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainable forms of energy such as solar and wind generation.
He said the event concluded with a spontaneous Abenaki snake dance, which recalled the solidarity of environmentalists and Aboriginal Canadians in this struggle and encouraged participants to formulate intentions for the well-being of self, families and community.
The day of action comes as a recent poll designed by the University of Montreal shows an overwhelming majority of Canadians want the federal government to take stronger action on climate change.
"We're blown away by the number of people and communities that came together today," said Maggie Knight of Leadnow.ca who organized the national day of action. "People are standing up to say: let's slow down and think about this before we commit. Let's start bringing the country together to create an economy that's built to last with energy that is clean, just and safe."
Participants at the events signed the "Defend Our Climate" petition calling on Prime Minister Harper and Canadian premiers to stop the expansion of pipelines and the tar sands, and start a conversation about real solutions. The petition is available online at www.defendourclimate.ca.
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