G8 leaders show up early in Calgary

As the G8 opens its annual meetings on June 26 in the isolated Kananaskis resort in the mountains of Alberta, activists will be converging on Calgary to voice their opposition to corporate globalization, and support for human rights [1 | 2 ], labor rights, and environmental protection.

Large demonstrations began on June 23 with a march through downtown Calgary [ 1 | 2 | 3 | video ], while the G6B Summit opened on Friday, June 21 with a speech from Stephen Lewis, the UN Secretary General Special Envoy to Africa for HIV/AIDS. On June 25, actions were held at a Gap outlet in Calgary [ 1 ]. There was also a G8 cycle brigade that traveled to Calgary, and a Critical Mass held on June 21.

The resort of Kananaskis has been deserted, while the area around it has been militarized with roadblocks, tanks, and anti-aircraft artillery [ 1 | 2 | 3 ].

Meanwhile, various activists, including African G6B participants and musician David Rovics are being denied entry at the Canadian border. Corporate media has sensationalized prospects for violence, including 'health emergencies'. A G8 Activist legal collective is following up on these and other concerns about civil liberties abuses.

More actions are planned for June 25 and 26, including a caravan for global justice and a 'Di-in for Life'. IMC Alberta has opened its G8 coverage, and is webcasting a stream of NGO, Activist, Labor, and Collective press statements.

Alberta IMC

Alberta G8 Coverage

G6B People's Summit

[article.homepage.prefix]: http://ottawa.indymedia.ca/icon/2002/06/165.jpg

add a comment on this article