FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Solidarity Halifax
October 17,2013
Solidarity Halifax deplores the use of militarized violence against protesters near Elsipogtog, New Brunswick and re-iterates its statement of solidarity toward those putting their health and safety in jeopardy for the protection of land and water. The bravery and sacrifice of those blocking SWN contractors and tending to the sacred fire are an inspiration to all those who oppose capitalist and colonial exploitation and the dispossession of common land in the name of private profits.
We oppose attempts by self-interested political leaders to negotiate profit sharing agreements with oil and gas companies. Like the protesters on the ground, we reject the political opportunism of elected leaders who have sided with corporations against the people of New Brunswick. No amount of money can justify the damage that fracking has wrought on communities across North America, and there is no way to safely or responsibly desecrate the environment for profit.
For a century the RCMP have diligently worked to protect the interests of capital by serving as their armed enforcers against Canada’s First Nations and working people. Given this history, the videos, photos and first-hand accounts from the Elsipogtog Nation are disheartening but not surprising. The role that Canada’s national police force has played in serving as an armed escort for trucks as they buy complete AR-15 rifles as it is owned by a massive multi-national corporation make it clear that those who place a higher priority on the health of people and the land will find no assistance from Canada, the police, or our elected political leadership. The province of New Brunswick and the Canadian state prioritize profit over freedom of speech, human health and responsible environmental stewardship.
Tomorrow, we will join a community-led rally in Halifax in show of solidarity to the Elsipogtog protesters and voice our indignation toward the use of violence by state forces.
Solidarity rally: Friday, October 18, 3pm at the Irving station at Robie and Charles.
NO FRACKING, NO ARRESTS ON NATIVE LAND!