More than 250 people – from across Canada – have gathered at the University of Ottawa this afternoon to participate in a day-long non-violent civil disobedience training session.
This is in advance of tomorrow’s peaceful direct action on Parliament Hill against the destructive impacts of the tar sands. Even more people are expected tomorrow morning – given buses are coming from Toronto, Montreal, Peterborough and other cities.
There are Council of Canadians staff, at least three chapter activists (from Alberta), a Board member, and members among the many here today.
The training session includes a welcoming to all, an overview of the impacts of the tar sands, a review of tomorrow’s plan, role-playing, and more.
A rally will be taking place tomorrow morning at 10 am near the Centennial Flame. Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow will be speaking at this rally.
The peaceful direct action – attempting to pass over a police fence in order to take our message to the foyer of Centre Block – begins at about 11 am.
For more information can be found at www.ottawaaction.ca and www.canadians.org.
