David Suzuki will be speaking to protesters at the B.C. legislature, ahead of a march to Victoria’s City Hall, calling on governments to do more to address climate change and move away from fossil fuels.
In a release, the group Climate Justice Victoria says this is part of a global weekend of climate action.
Starting at 4 p.m., the group will be on the lawn of the B.C. legislature, then plan to walk to Victoria City Hall and back starting at 4:45 p.m.
Before the group leaves, there will be a rally against fossil fuels on the B.C. legislature lawn, with speakers including David Suzuki. Other speakers will be Carl Olson, Marlene Hale, Eric Doherty, and Tamara Krawchenko.
Victoria Police warn that traffic will be impacted as the group walks up Government Street, down Fisgard Street to Douglas Street, then one block on Douglas, then back to Government via Yates Street.
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Expect traffic delays & temp. road closures Friday at approx. 4:30 pm for the Global Mobilization to Fight Fossil Fuels rally and march. Route attached.
Officers will be in the area to assist with traffic control, minimize disruptions & support community safety.#yyjtraffic pic.twitter.com/naTyQz2OnB
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) September 14, 2023
The group is calling for an end to fossil fuels, an end to old growth “forest destruction,” and an end to highway expansion.
Instead, they would like to see governments investing in an energy and economic system that is “efficient, fair, and equitable,” ecological restoration of all forests, and transit and active transportation networks.
RELATED: More than 100 rally at BC Legislature for old-growth forests
“The effects of the climate crisis can be felt coast-to-coast-to-coast. The devastating drought and fires this summer are only part of this,” Chris Camaso, a member of Climate Justice Victoria, said in a news release. “It’s time to end fossil fuels before it is too late.”
In addition to the Victoria march, there will also be a march in Vancouver which is expected to tie up traffic on the Cambie Street Bridge as protesters walk between Vancouver’s City Hall and the art gallery.
-With a file from The Canadian Press
Editor’s note: Victoria Police’s Tweet says the march will start at approximately 4:30 p.m. CHEK News has confirmed with the organizer the march is scheduled to start at 4:45.
Laura Brougham
