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Speak Out BC: Message from the People |
Campaign BC October 26 2002 Speak Out BC protest at BC Liberal convention in Penticton |
 Parade of Lost Services |
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| Web video highlights RT: 8:55 |
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Broadband video removed because server space is limited, 17/09/03 |
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Photos from Penticton by [email protected] click here. Report from Penticton Wayne Peppard, from Oct. 28 kootenaycuts.com The BC Liberal Convention offered an opportunity for opposition forces from around the Province to exchange ideas and successful tactics. On Friday afternoon, the BC Federation of Labour hosted a news conference at the Lakeside Resort in Penticton. Coalition leaders were introduced and given an opportunity to speak directly to reporters. Reporters, responding to increased security around Campbell, were mostly interested in expectations for the potential for violence. Jim Sinclair responded that it is the violence of Campbell and his government that we are concerned about. Friday night the BC Federation of Labour brought about 100 coalition representatives together. There were representatives from Kitimat to Prince George and Vancouver Island to Cranbrook. Delegates reported on the damage that Liberal cuts have done to their communities. Issues were discussed around health care, education, poverty, and some moving speeches on women and seniors as targets of the vicious Liberal attacks. Union reps related the power of organization that is brought to coalitions and that we must be proud of our labour affiliations, not retreat in the face of accusations that the BC Fed and our unions are front and center in the fight back. There was discussion on the potential for a General Strike. Community actions such as those that have occurred on Vancouver Island, were offered as challenges to regions throughout the Province in an attempt to build momentum toward a General Strike. Union reps responded that our members are not ready now, that we have no alternative party that could be elected, and that our resources are limited as we prepare for municipal elections and consider re-call initiatives. The Northern coalitions had met prior to coming to Penticton and spearheaded the creation of a list so participants can carry on the exchange of ideas and effective actions. The BC Coalition of regional coalitions then discussed and accepted a Declaration outlining issues related to cut-backs to be used as a leaflet at the Convention the next morning. Saturday morning started very early as parade marshals finalized their responsibilities and preparations were made to feed people traveling on 22 buses from around the Province. Riot police and forces began arriving at the Convention Centre about 7:00 AM and setting up surveillance. Jane Staschuk of the BC Fed had been working all week setting up and organizing the rally. Jane met with the police and liaised with them throughout the day. From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, members of the Coalitions met at the Convention Centre to leaflet Liberal Convention delegates. Campbell was expected to arrive at about 9:30 AM and there was a delegation representing women and seniors that were to greet the Premier and present the Declaration to him. The police agreed to this. As we prepared for his arrival, we received notice that Campbell had sleazed in a back entrance, afraid to be confronted by seniors and women at an orderly and well-managed information picket line. Police were livid and expressed their anger at this violation of the negotiated plan. Campbell had earlier told the press that he expected the big, bad BC Fed to be responsible for any violence. Sneaking in the back door was a sick attempt to make it look like his life was in danger. As buses began arriving at the school gym, groups began their preparations for the Parade of Lost Services. Banners were being made, balloons inflated and floats readied. As the morning progressed, there was an air of festivity. About two thousand concerned citizens eventually filled Main Street from the school to Westminster Avenue. The parade was interspersed with mock hospital beds representing lost spaces in our hospitals, senior homes and extended care facilities. Building Trades workers joined hospital workers, government workers, teachers, nurses, women's groups, students, seniors, people with disabilities, children and anti-poverty activists. They were walking, riding, and in wheel chairs. There was a carnival atmosphere, considering the evil that they were there to confront. It was a celebration of our solidarity that filled the air. There were no incidents with angry residents other than that of a single person with a placard at the Convention Centre admonishing the "whining unions". In fact, most people along the route were very supportive and some even joined the march. Chief Phillips and an entourage of aboriginal people welcomed people to the rally. Speeches were short and interspersed with local musicians. Jim Sinclair gave a rousing speech, as usual, aimed at the Liberal violence being perpetrated on the people of the Province. Rural BC is being devastated by the actions/cuts of this government. The police should be defending the people, not the Premier, by keeping our schools, hospitals and women's centers open. A BC TV reporter commented on the question of whether these protests would have any effect on government decisions. The feeling was no, they would have absolutely no impact as long as they were organized by big labour. He then commented that the protest was very peaceful and orderly and attributed this to the fact that the BC Fed had organized it. There have been many protests, events and rallies held since the Liberals came to power and there will be many more. None have resulted in violence. If violence occurs, our issues are lost and we must not fall into that trap. Violent actions only play into the hands of the police and the Liberals so they could dismiss our message and we would risk dividing our own support. The Liberals want to paint our movement as a violent one so they can divert media attention away from their agenda and our legitimate dissent. |
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Video on this page sponsored in part by   CUPE BC Strong Communities campaign and by the Hospital Employees' Union Thank you. This Page Posted Oct. 28, 2002 |
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