David Suzuki to join in Paddle for the Peace to stop Site C

Fort St. John – Renowned scientist David Suzuki will speak at the Paddle for the Peace on Saturday, July 11, an event expected to draw people from across BC.

Suzuki will join hundreds of people in canoes, kayaks and other watercraft who will paddle down the Peace River to protest the imminent construction of the Site C dam.

The $9 billion dam would flood more than 100 kilometres of the Peace River and its tributaries, forcing farmers, ranchers and other families from their homes. Permits for dam-related construction were issued by the BC government this week, despite growing calls from BC municipalities for a moratorium.

Other confirmed speakers at the Paddle for the Peace are:

• Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
• Richard Bullock, Former Chair, BC Agricultural Land Commission
• Chief Roland Willson, West Moberly First Nations
• Lana Popham, New Democrat Opposition Critic for Agriculture and Food

The annual Paddle for the Peace begins at 9 am at the Halfway River, with a pancake breakfast hosted by the West Moberly First Nations. Boats will be launched into the Peace River at the Halfway tributary for the Paddle, ending at a third-generation farm owned by Ken and Arlene Boon that will be underwater if Site C goes ahead.

Additional details about the event can be found at paddleforthepeace.ca

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