Published Oct 17, 2020 10:26 AM
VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Green Party of Vancouver stands in
strong opposition to the dangerous and deceptive two-day ‘freedom rally’
scheduled for this weekend in Vancouver. While we unequivocally support the
right to free speech and political protests, the rally and its organizers are
promoting inaccurate, divisive, and harmful information which directly oppose
Greens’ commitment to evidence-based policies and a healthy participatory
democracy.
The Party, backed by its full Caucus and Board, has signed
on to the letter of concern put out by the Vancouver & District Labour
Council (VDLC) and are supporting their effort to shed light on the growing
movement of conspiracy theorists, hate-groups, and those spreading misinformation
about Covid-19.
“We at the Green Party have serious concerns regarding this
event and others like it which have taken place over the past few months” said
Anthony Hughes, Chair of the Green Party of Vancouver.
“As Greens our founding values include Non-violence, Social
Justice, and Respect for Diversity; as such we stand staunchly opposed to all
forms of hate and bigotry, as well as any groups or individuals who put the
public’s safety at risk with misinformation.
“We want to be clear that hate and untruths in any form go
against our Green values and our code of conduct, and we will always stand up
against anyone furthering hatred and misinformation.”
Green Party of Vancouver School Trustee Lois Chan-Pedley
fears the impact it will have on students in Vancouver.
“We have seen how divisive rhetoric and misinformation about
Covid-19 in America has put the health and safety of students at risk,” said
Chan-Pedley. “The consequences are long term and far-reaching. We have to
combat this by making a united stand against this dangerous movement.”
Stuart Mackinnon, Green Party Park Board Commissioner, is
concerned about how quickly this movement and its message could spread.
“In our role at Parks, we’ve seen a lot of untruths and
falsehoods propagate since the pandemic began,” said Mackinnon.
“The rhetoric we’ve seen coming from proponents and
supporters of the rally has become increasingly hateful and deceitful; it puts
people’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing at risk at a time when people
are already struggling.”
City Councillor Pete Fry stressed the importance of standing
up to bigotry.
“None of us can afford to shirk away from these difficult
conversations,” said Fry.
“We need to stand firmly against hate, racism, and bigotry
in all forms, shed light on untruths, and be clear about the dangerous divisive
nature of these types of events and the kinds of rhetoric and anger they
foster.”
The Green Party of Vancouver will not be taking part in any
in-person events opposing this rally in order to prevent the spread of
COVID-19. Instead the Party is encouraging their supporters and the public to
speak out against hatred and misinformation wherever and whenever they witness it.
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More Information:
VDLC Letter of Concern
