People from New Brunswick flooded the lawn in front of the provincial legislature building, spilling onto the steps of the Art Gallery which prompted the closure of part of Queen Street on Tuesday Nov 17.
As the new session of New Brunswick’s legislature was about to begin, protesters sent a clear message: don’t sell NB Power.
Lydia Calhiun with the NDP was busy selling protest signs and buttons. She said that she thinks the people of New Brunswick are having such a strong reaction to this proposed deal because, “NB Power, it’s a crown corporation so we’re the ones who technically own it, for someone to make a decision without consulting the public I think it’s [wrong]. [I think] that we need to have our voices heard we want to say whether or not we want to have it sold. Whether or not you agree with the sale, it’s just good to get our opinions on it.”
“Just to make that decision without consulting the public, I think some people want a referendum. Just make it a more open process, it hasn’t been open,” said Najat Abdou, also there with the NDP.
When asked who was out at the protest Calhuin said, “I’ve seen University students, older people, some people just stopping by on their work break, there’s been a whole range really.”
Another table was set up on the lawn of the legislature, and it was covered in petitions. Lois Dunnfield was collecting the sheets and said that lots of people have been signing. The petition is asking for a referendum on the sale of NB Power, which would give New Brunswickers a chance to offer input on the fate of the sale.
“They’ve been signing left and right, we haven’t had time to count,” Dunnfield said. The petition was created by Bethany Thorndexra of New Brunswick People First, who gave a speech at the rally.
Huge signs were held high in the air as people chanted together different sayings, all with the same meaning: Shawn Graham should not sell NB Power. Speeches were delivered from a platform near the steps of the legislature, where police officers watched the protest continue.
Signs sent a clear message to any onlookers, “Our assets, our vote, our future,” and “deal or no deal, let us vote.” Some protesters got creative. Playing on the New Brunswick slogan, one sign read “be ‘sold out’ in this place.” Another protester held a real estate lawn sign reading “NB Power – Fire Sale,” with a red ‘sold’ marker. Language was no barrier to New Brunswickers wanting to voice their opinion. Many signs had bold French slogans, all with the same message.
This rally represented the largest public demonstration since the possible sale of NB Power was announced in October.
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