From controversial new bills to the rights of women, a number of provincial and national issues brought Edmontonians out in droves over the first weekend in March.
On March 7, Edmonton Coalition Against War and Racism (ECAWAR) held an information picket in the Old Strathcona area on the topic of Bill C-51. Also know as the “Anti-Terrorism Bill,” the peace group expressed concern that the bill would limit the rights of citizens in freedom of speech and assembly, and give extra rights to CSIS and police to break up protests, make arrests without due cause, as well as searches without warrants. The group held signs with political slogans and handed out information to passers by.
Later that same day a rally called “Tell the Tories to Look in the Mirror” was held at the Alberta Legislature. It was organized by the Alberta Federation of Labour in conjunction with the NGO Better Way Alberta. The rally was in response to a statement made last week by Premier Jim Prentice that Albertans need to “look in the mirror” to see who is to blame for the current problems in the province. That statement led to a flurry of activity on social media in protest. Many people at the rally brought mirrors to reflect back at the Legislature.
March 8 was International Women’s Day, and Edmonton took part as did many cities around the world. Hundreds took part in a march down Whyte Avenue, followed by a forum at a nearby church where speakers discussed several issues relating to labour and peace.
