Kelowna News

Groups throughout the Valley are taking part in a national chain of rallies organizers say they hope will serve as a wake-up call to local MPs and to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The Citizens Against Proroguing Parliament are the driving force behind the rallies, which will take place in cities across Canada on Saturday, January 23. Groups in Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon are currently organizing speakers and trying to get their message out to the masses.

"It's almost like it's a new decade and people are waking up," says Brigid Kemp, organizer of the Penticton rally.

"This is the second time in two years that Parliament has been prorogued, and citizens are saying they're not going to take it anymore."

The grassroots campaign seems to be gaining momentum, with numerous Facebook groups popping up, including the national Facebook group which currently boasts 200,000 members. There are currently confirmed rallies taking place in 48 Canadian cities, one in New York City and one in London, UK.

Kemp says the group believes that Harper prorogued government to avoid answering questions about the apparent torture of Afghan detainees, the current pension crisis, climate change and sustainable development.

"Really, Harper is ruling with a very arrogant right hand right now," says Kemp.

Lisa Dahrouge, organizer of the Kelowna rally, says details are falling into place and she hopes for a good turnout Saturday at the corner of Harvey and Gordon.

"It'll be kind of organic... people will spread out along the street and sidewalks. It's a high traffic-area, I'm sure we'll get noticed."

From there the group plans to walk down to MP Ron Cannon's office at the Capri Mall.

"I don't expect him to be there on a Saturday when there's a rally, but it would be great if he is."

Penticton rally details:

Protesters are to meet at Gyro Park next to City Hall at 1 p.m.

From there protesters will be walking to MP Stockwell Day's office, about a block away

Liberal Party candidate Ross Rebagliati has been confirmed as a speaker, and organizers are attempting to get speakers from the NDP and Green party

There will be an open mic for anyone who wants to say their piece

People with questions can call Kemp at 250-487-1269 or email her at bridiekemp@gmail.com

Kelowna rally details:

Protesters are to meet at the corner of Harvey (Hwy 97) and Gordon Drive at 1 p.m.

Protesters will then walk to Capri Mall to protest in front of MP Ron Cannon's office

Speakers may be a possibility but none have been confirmed

Vernon rally details:

Protesters are to meet at MP Colin Mayes office, Unit 206-3203 30th Street beside the B.C. Services building at 1 p.m.

The protest will run until 2:30 p.m.

Link: Kelowna Facebook anti-prorogue group Link: Vernon Facebook anti-prorogue group Link: Noprorogue.ca Link: Penticton Facebook anti-prorogue group