The Alberta government has submitted a motion to blame prominent environmental activist David Suzuki for controversial comments that pipelines could be “bombed” if politicians do not address climate change. Did.
NS motion Introduced in Environmental Park Minister Jason Nixon On November 23, the legislative council called for Suzuki’s comments to be condemned along with “comments calling for the deliberate destruction of energy infrastructure” and “incitement to violent eco-terrorism.”
“But in addition to that, we today apologize for what David Suzuki said and stop making statements that can be used to support all kinds of eco-terrorism both inside and outside our country today. I’d like to call you right away, “Nixon said, presenting his move at the Chamber of Commerce.
Suzuki is Extinction Rebellion He protested on Victoria Island on November 20th, where he CHEK newsCommented that if politicians do nothing more to deal with climate change, there may be attacks by protesters on energy infrastructure.
“We are in deep and deep crisis-Doo “he Said “Funeral for the future” Protest Hundreds of people marched from Centennial Square to the Legislative Assembly of BC and told the state governmentClimate emergency.. “
“This is what we have done. There is a next step after this. Intend to If our leaders don’t pay attention to what’s going on, the pipeline will be blown up. “
Suzuki’s remarks quickly sparked the anger of several government officials, including British Columbia Minister of Public Security Mike Farnworth.
“I don’t think such a statement is useful. I don’t think it’s useful at all,” Fernworth told reporters on November 22nd. Press conference..
Other officials have expressed concern that Suzuki’s comments could incite violence.
“This kind of rhetoric is dangerous and undemocratic. It means that energy workers and infrastructure should be the target of terrorist acts. All political leaders unconditionally condemn this statement. Should be, “said conservative leader Erin Outur. I have written On Twitter on November 22nd.
Alberta’s Prime Minister Jason Kenny said Suzuki’s “incitement to violence” should be “universally condemned.”
“In Canada, we are peacefully and democratically resolving the differences, not the threat of terrorism or acts of violence,” Kenny said. Tweet November 22.
In response to the criticism of the elected civil servants David Suzuki Foundation, Vancouver-based environmental nonprofit denies involvement in Vancouver Co-founder comment twitter.
“When David speaks publicly, he speaks for himself, not for the David Suzuki Foundation,” the post said.
“We did In contact With David: He confirmed that this comment was not a direct threat to the destruction of fossil fuel infrastructure. “
“We’re in an era where civil disobedience is what we have to do now, because if we don’t do this, we’re afraid of the next step, what will happen to people. Blow up the pipeline. Will start to do, “he said.
Environmental activists added that it was “ridiculous” for people to think he was instigating violence, but he did not regret his remarks.
“No, of course not. I’m really saying that. I said that. I’m sorry that the media … took the context of the article and it was great coverage. And I Headlined to tilt it completely as if instigating violence. That’s the exact opposite of what I was trying to say. “
In a speech at the Alberta Parliament on November 23, Kenny said it was important for the government to tackle this issue because of Suzuki’s influence.
“Words bring results, especially for those with influential leadership roles like Suzuki. He’s not a random protester. He’s not a random loon. He’s national. It has a profile and is almost unmatched in the country, “said the Prime Minister.
“Not all of us are perfect, but I think it’s a completely different category that drives people to violence, even indirectly.”
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Isaac Teo is a Toronto-based Epoch Times reporter.