Constituents rally outside B.C. MLA offices demanding an end to fracking

Unceded territories of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ, xʷməθkwəy̓əm, and Skwxwú7mesh Nations, and unceded and treaty territories across B.C. — Amid record fires and extreme heat, constituents gathered outside of Premier David Eby’s office to call on the province to stop expanding British Columbia’s fracked gas industry.

As B.C. and Canada suffer through the worst wildfire season in history, and the world experiences its hottest week on record, these protests aim to raise awareness with MLAs and the public about the harmful effects of fracking on the climate, fresh water and communities, and advocate for a phase out of the industry. Today’s rally comes on the heels of similar rallies outside MLA offices in eight communities across the province calling for an end to fracking – a climate change exacerbating practice used in 91 percent of British Columbia’s gas production.

Photos from the demonstrations will be available here for media use and updated throughout the day.

This week’s demonstrations – held concurrently between July 25 and July 29 – are supported by Frack Free BC as a part of a summer of action to Turn Up the Heat on B.C. MLAs through office drop-ins, community meetings, and rallies. Today’s rally at Premier Eby’s office was preceded by rallies earlier this week in Victoria, Vancouver-Fairview, Sunshine Coast, Nelson, and Powell River, and will be followed this weekend by demonstrations in Squamish, and Vernon-Monashee.

Frack Free BC and local rally organizers are calling on the B.C. government to:

1. Set a date to stop issuing new fracking permits;
2. Begin a phase out of existing wells and fracking infrastructure;
3. Support local communities to transition to more sustainable industries.

“Wildfires are raging across the province, heat waves are risking the lives of our most vulnerable residents and a persistent drought has forced businesses to limit their services, yet the provincial government continues to approve new fracking wells. Premier Eby needs a plan to end fracking, keep British Columbians safe and stop making these climate disasters even worse.”

Peter McCartney, Climate Campaigner, Wilderness Committee  

Pollution from B.C.’s gas industry is poised to explode if the five proposed liquified natural gas (LNG) projects that the province is currently considering on the West Coast are approved, built, and supplied with fracked gas. This concern was heightened earlier this year when the province approved the controversial Cedar LNG project.

“David Eby’s government needs to pick a side: global oil and gas companies raking in record profits by fuelling climate disasters, or the people of B.C. trying to stay safe and healthy in the face of ever more dangerous fires, heat waves and drought.”

Alexandra Woodsworth, Director of Organizing, Dogwood

Fracking and LNG exports are controversial political issues for the BC NDP. B.C.’s oil and gas industry is already responsible for 19 percent of the province’s total greenhouse gas emissions — largely driven by fracking. With B.C. already projected to fall short of its 2030 target, and communities facing increased health risks from fracking, it is past time for Premier Eby to act.

“Most British Columbians would be shocked to learn that there are over 30,000 fracking wells in B.C.’s northeast, a number that could double in the next decade, if Premier Eby chooses not to stand up against LNG expansion. With elected officials in their home communities this month, we’re turning up the heat for a Frack Free B.C.”

Kiki Wood, Senior Oil and Gas Campaigner, Stand.earth

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Media contact: 

Ziona Eyob, Media Director – Canada, canadamedia@stand.earth, +1 604 757 7279 (Pacific Time)