“Non-partisan” rally scheduled for Saturday has one focus: build the pipeline now

The banner created by rally organizers for the Support Canadian Pipelines – Lakeland Rally on Sat. Jan. 19.

The organizers of a pro-pipeline are putting the call out to the Lakeland to come to a rally at the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds.

The rally, called Support Canadian Pipelines – Lakeland Rally, is happening this Saturday from 11am-2pm and has one sole focus: “build the pipeline now,” the Facebook event says.

“It’s trying to reach out into the community and get all the people out there being affected, which is a high percentage in this area because we are in oil country, and provide a venue for them to come out and join in a rally,” said organizer Angela Cook.

“You’re not so much using your voice, but by attending it you’re still being a part of the bigger picture, trying to send the message to Ottawa to build the pipelines now. We need them for our livelihood around here.”

The event is listed as “non-partisan” to exclude political alignments and to distance this rally from the Yellow Vests Rallies, which has come under fire over accusations of racism and controversial messages towards the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“I believe there’s a lot of issues we have right now. I just think if we find the biggest one affecting our area and that’s getting future pipelines built. That’s the message I want to unite,” said Cook.

There are a host of local, provincial, and federal politicians slated for the event.

MP for the Lakeland, and Conservative Party deputy critic for natural resources, Shannon Stubbs tops the list of speakers.

Alberta Party leader Stephen Mandel, MLA’s Scott Cyr, David Hanson, and Laila Goodridge (MLA Fort McMurray-Conklin), M.D. Reeve Greg Sawchuk, Mayor of Cold Lake Craig Copeland, and Mayor of Bonnyville, Gene Sobolewski, will also speak.

Cook said it’s exciting seeing the support from the politicians, and more could be on their way.

“I’m very grateful for all the speakers coming out. Especially having Shannon Stubbs come out and stand for the pipelines. We want to send a strong message with her when she’s back in the house and that’s we stand united with one voice and build the pipeline now,” she said.

Those who attend are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Bonnyville and Cold Lake Food Banks.

“I’m hoping that the people who actually don’t normally leave their house, and kind of sit and agree with everything, they support everything, but they aren’t the ones who come out and show the support – and that’s who we need. We need the silent majority of people to stand up and share the message, and that’s all of us,” said Cook.