Victorians walking downtown this Easter Monday may find the street a little more crowded.
Environmental protesters are scheduled to shut down Douglas Street on Monday afternoon in honour of Earth Day and as a call to action for major Canadian banks.
Scheduled for 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the protest will include a “theatrical street procession” down Douglas Street, a parade float, live music, and opportunities for bystanders to chat with protesters.
While the protest is taking place on Earth Day, the main focus of the road closure is to draw attention to the investment practices of Canadian banks, according to the event organizers.
Hosted by two local environmental groups, Rise and Resist and Extinction Rebellion Vancouver Island, the afternoon protest is calling on five major Canadian banks to divest away from the fossil fuel industry.
According to the group, Canada’s CIBC, RBC, RD, Bank of Montreal, and Scotiabank have invested a combined $450 billion into fossil fuel development since 2016.
The protesters are asking that these five banks redirect their investments into clean energy infrastructure, and that island residents switch to local credit unions that do not fund fossil fuel extraction.
Anyone interested in participating in the protest is asked to meet in front of Fol Epi on Yates street at noon on April 22nd.
Revel, Rebel and Divest: Earth Day Bank Action
- When: April 22nd, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Protesters are meeting at Fol Epi, 732 Yates Street, before marching down Douglas Street
