Day of Action results in a cancelled wedding

Wedding ceremonies on the Alberta Legislature grounds are not an unusual occurrence – except for one held on May 10.

In a mock marriage ceremony organized by Greenpeace, the government and fossil fuel industry were to be joined in wedded bliss. Complete with a red carpet, flower girls, bouquets, and presiding official, vows were exchanged, tears were shed, and an “oil and water” ceremony became rather messy.

Why the theatrics? May 10 was a National Day of Action called Defend Our Climate, Defend Our Communities. Marches and mock weddings were held throughout the country to send a message to the government about the need for a safe climate, safe communities, and the detrimental environmental effects that the tar sands and pipelines can cause.

In the fantasy role playing at the Legislature, the wedding was eventually called off by the government when “guests” raised objections to the union.

 “I object on behalf of the climate and the cost to our future generations. We have seen the stern warnings from the international community that we have to address climate change now. We have to keep two thirds of the fossil fuels in the ground,” said Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, pointing to the background “photo booth” photo from the flooding last year in Calgary and southern Alberta.

“On behalf of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, we have to protect the offspring of this union, for the youth of this country to be able to grow up in a society free of chronic disease and illness. The cost to the Canadian people across the country is $190 billion a year. Each family member with a chronic illness will cost $10,000. Forty five people in Alberta will be diagnosed with cancer every day and those numbers will grow to an alarming rate if this union is allowed to continue,” said Lisa Bourque-Bearskin.

While the fossil fuel industry continued to run after the government, even after being left at the altar, activists at the “wedding” expressed hopes that the government will follow suit in real life, and call off the local affair with the fossil fuel industry.
Another National Day of Action was held in November with the same name and similar goals.

Photo caption: A mock wedding between Foss L. Fuels (the fossil fuel industry) played by Mike Hudema, with Greenpeace, and Govern Mint (the government), represented by Terry Noel, with Occupy Edmonton was held with Chris-Ann Lake, who is Climate and Energy Campaigner with Greenpeace as minister and bridesmaid dressed in black Katrina Armstrong .