Langley is the site of the first Suits and Boots Resource Rally on Saturday for anyone in favour of the pipeline from Edmonton to the B.C. coast.
The event is scheduled five days before the May 31 deadline set out by Kinder Morgan to decide whether it proceeds with the proposed TransMountain pipeline in the face of B.C. government opposition and other issues.
“We’re looking forward to a great event in Langley on the 26th,” said Suits and Boots founder and Edmonton-based businessman Rick Peterson. “This is only being made possible through the huge support of one individual, Tamara Jansen, a Langley businesswoman who stepped up to volunteer the space and logistical help. This is a great example of ‘Suits’ stepping up in a significant way to help show support for the ‘Boots’ of our resource sector.”
The rally takes place in the parking lot behind Milner Chapel, 6710 216th St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Organizers are calling it a simultaneous, grassroots effort across B.C. to show support for the energy sector. The confirmed speakers include Chilliwack-Kent MLA Laurie Throness, of the BC Liberals, and Cheam First Nations Chief Ernie Crey who has been a vocal supporter of the proposed pipeline.
According to the Suits and Boots website, the deputy mayor of Telkwa will lead a convoy of cars and industrial vehicles on a 32-kilometre rally in the Smithers and Telkwa area. The deputy mayor, Brad Layton, leads a new group called Responsible Resource Development North West which is hosting the Saturday rally. The group, The North Matters, will have an event Saturday in Kitimat to support LNG and Suits and Boots says there will also be events in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.
“Canadians are being forced to buy dirty oil and gas from countries with the worst environmental and human rights records in the world when we could be buying from Canadian producers who use the most up to date technology and provide thousands of good jobs to hard working Canadians,” Jansen said. “The logic of the situation we find ourselves in is ludicrous and most certainly not environmentally positive by any stretch of the imagination.”
Jansen, retired now but known for Darvonda Nurseries in Milner, is the Langley host, providing the space for the event and logistical support.
“I’m proud to stand up alongside Suits and Boots in support of Kinder Morgan and the Trans Mountain pipeline,” said Jansen. “It’s important that everyone see how hard we are working to show strong and widespread support for the resource sector at this critical moment, and how important it is for the future of Canada that we make our voices heard.”
Organizers predict the combined attendance at the B.C. events will make this the single largest pro-resource demonstration ever held in Canada.