Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has to go: That was the message from a vigorous labour union-led rally in Vancouver last night meant to stir local support for an Opposition-led coalition government in Ottawa.
But the election-style rally came after news sank in that Harper's Conservative government had earlier in the day succeeded in quashing the current session of Parliament, stalling any non-confidence vote in his leadership until January.
"This is an unprecedented crisis in Canadian history," NDP MP Peter Julian told the crowd.
"Our cities are suffering," said Vancouver Coun. Heather Deal, with the left-of-centre Vision Vancouver civic party. "We need another government in Ottawa."
The drama in Ottawa has brought out political campaigners locally, with last night's pro-coalition rally drawing some 1,000 people at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.
The rally preceded a scheduled demonstration against the Opposition parties and for the Conservative government slated for Saturday at Library Square in downtown Vancouver.
Irwin Loy reports for Vancouver's 24 hours.
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NicS
3 years ago
Great Rally
One of the best rallies or protests I've ever been to. It was short and to the point, one hour of speakers and the band, DOA, that started things off. Definitely Peter Julian got the crowd going, excellent speaker for this type of rally. One other thing Irwin, your numbers seem to be off. There were 60 seats across and 15 deep, which were 95% full, the back, front and sides were also full and there were people left standing outside. So a 1000 sitting and at least 500 standing.
asp
3 years ago
2000
According to the Canada Place web site, the ballroom capacity is over 1500. The room was crowded, and they said that there were hundreds of people stuck outside.
NicS
3 years ago
asp
Thanks for the confirming info