March 13, 2013 – Some good news! The City of Vancouver passed a motion expressing strong concern about the export of coal out of Metro Vancouver. Along with Surrey and White Rock, that makes three communities this week that have stood up to the Port Authority to tell them to do a better job of consulting the public over their concerns. A big public show of concern right now is crucial — both to show support for local government, and to show the Port that we have the momentum. We would love to have folks from the Island come over so that we can show that we are in this together. It's time for a celebration!
Let's get the black rock out of White Rock!
Sunday March 17, noon — White Rock waterfront, at the white rock.
Let's come together to celebrate strong leadership by local governments, and to show our resolve in standing up to the Port Authority: no new developments without consulting the public! It's a good chance to talk to folks on the promenade about the coal export controversy and how the Port Authority makes decisions (on coal exports, on paving farmland, on new bridges…) without public input. We'll have more lawn signs and posters too.
A local artist will draw out a huge "No coal exports" sign on the sand. Local municipal councillors will be invited. Folks from Blaine and Bellingham and possibly even Lasqueti Island are expected to attend. We want you to be there! Forecast: the only sunny day among many rainy ones. It's a good sign.
And… we'll be handing out cake to celebrate the recent municipal votes.
We've all had some amazing success lately in raising the profile of the coal export controversy. The media is interested, and more and more people are concerned. However, the Port and the coal industry are starting to push back. In the last few days a new group called the "Coal Alliance" has formed, and they are making every effort to portray us as "radical protesters" spreading disinformation about the good work that coal does.
In it's own way this is all a positive sign, because it means that we are having an effect and we have them scared. However, it also means that we need to keep up the pressure.
On this issue, nothing is more important right now than a big public show of concern. It draws media attention, it makes even more people aware that something is going on, and it shows the Port that we are getting organized and we're not going to back down. We want to encourage as many people as possible to come out on Sunday, so please help spread the word! We have common cause with a lot of people who are fighting the port, including those working to save farm land, those working to save Burns Bog, and now those working to stop a new bridge across the Fraser River. Let's all come together this Sunday to show that we are going to stand up for our livable region.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or ideas for this weekend.
Cheers
Kevin
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Director, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change
http://vtacc.org/
@ClimateVoters
http://www.facebook.com/VotersTakingActionOnClimateChange