Rallies across British Columbia

Opposition to the provincial budget crossed union and community lines as pressure was put on government MLAs in their own communities to back off on its legislative package.

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All the Unions committed themselves to an intensive education program of their memberships.  They also agreed to participate fully in local coalitions and their activities, and to actively promote the full participation of their members in those activities.  An overall plan of action to put increasing community political pressure on government MLA’s and Cabinet Ministers is being instituted.

It was made clear that the next little while is to be used to complete the series of rallies and protest in smaller communities, to actively step up the education of members and the community at large, and to get prepared for whatever actions which may have to be undertaken if the Government doesn’t back off in its attack on the people of B.C. Given the seriousness of the situation, that could mean a general strike if all else fails.  All of us have to put as much pressure on the government as we can to avoid having to take that step.

[Cartoon shows small dog seated inside large spiked dog collar which is chained to a brick wall.] THE NEW B.C. HUMAN RIGHTS WATCHDOG…. RAESIDE [cartoonist signature]

RALLY ATTENDANCE

Nelson 1,800

Cranbrook 1,500

Williams Lake 1,200

Kamloops 4,000

Victoria 25,000

Salmon Arm 1,000

Vancouver 45,000

Kelowna 4,000

Nanaimo 2,500

Total 86,000

VMREU