Rupertites take to Court House Lawn in Northern Gateway Protest

A small, but vocal group of protesters joined other like minded British Columbians across the province on Monday, protesting the concept of the controversial Northern Gateway pipeline project.

The Prince Rupert protest which brought environmental activists and local union members together, took place at the noon hour in front of the Prince Rupert Court House, the lunch hour protest featured speeches from City Councillor Jennifer Rice and local labour leaders.

Councillor Rice, is considered by many to be the eventual nominee for the NDP in the upcoming Provincial election in 2013, expected to take over the torch for the NDP from the outgoing MLA Gary Coons.

The Northern Gateway project and the support of those that oppose has been a popular topic with the outgoing MLA over the last few years, a cause that Councillors Rice and Thorkelson have taken up as their own as well at Council and beyond.

Among those joining in on the protest were members of the Prince Rupert  District Teachers Union and the United Fish and Allied Workers Union. Protesters solicited support from passers by, receiving some honks of approval from some and occasional indifference from others.

The Prince Rupert protest was one of a number in BC on Monday, with the main protest venue and the largest of the crowds taking place in Victoria on the lawn of the Legislature.

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