Now, more than ever is the time to put people over profit.
That's the message Cowichan community members will be bringing to Duncan City Square from 4 to 6 p.m., on Sept. 20 for a Draw The Line rally.
“Holding decision makers accountable to the strong social and environmental values that join us together as a community is more important than ever," said event organizer Jane Kilthei with One Cowichan. "Our democracy locally is at risk. In response we can come together and work with each other to make our collective voices more powerful, our community more sustainable, and ensure no one is left behind.”
On this international day of action, organized in part by 350.org, groups from across the globe are uniting to "draw the line for people, planet and peace" as it becomes more and more clear the that "deep divides are being inflicted upon us from those who hold the most power: politicians, and billionaires who are trying to tear down the remaining foundation of communities that respect and uphold both human rights, and environmental justice," organizers said in a press release.
"Cities across Canada will gather to stand up against the wealth hoarding of Canada’s biggest corporations and politicians, the gutting of our public services and welfare state, as well as climate collapse, growing white supremacy, exploitation of Indigenous lands, and the genocide in Palestine that is propped up by the Canadian government," organizers said.
As Cowichan community members rally in solidarity they will also be standing up on issues that hit closer to home that include: exclusionary politics and keeping out progressive votes in the effort to keep the community safe from divisive rhetoric and policies; regressive moves by North Cowichan council; political scapegoating of transgender people, immigrants, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people, and others who may be oppressed in the Cowichan Valley; as well as the political and physical violence directed toward Cowichan’s unhoused community members, organizers said.
The groups involved locally are: Mid-Island Council of Canadians,Cowichan Climate Hub, One Cowichan, Freedom From War Coalition, BCGEU, Striking Unifor Cowichan Transit Workers, Nature Cowichan, The Cowichan Land Trust, Friends of Rails to Trails, Socially Responsible Investing Cowichan and Revolve Cowichan.
“Fascism is rising across the globe and Canada is no exception," said event organizer Erin Blondeau with Revolve Cowichan. "The rise in far-right politics brings the oppression of people who don’t fit into the ideal hierarchy. We have to stand up against the ultra-wealthy and powerful who want to pit us against each other so they can continue to profit from our suffering. We have to draw the line and resist this mass manipulation and oppression.”
For more information on the event visit revolvecowichan.com.
“Resisting fascism starts with united communities," said Jessica Barker with Revolve Cowichan. "Let’s work together, and draw the line for ours.”
