For IMMEDIATE Release: April 18, 1996

VICTORIA-- Victoria City Council decided today to grant the Earth Walk a parade permit, waive all police fees for the event, and most importantly, to examine their Special Events Policy which charges fees for cultural events and the exercise of free speech.

"It's a big step forward for the Earth Walk. But it's also an important breakthrough for freedom of assembly, and artistic and musical gatherings," said Earth Walk Coordinator Peter Ronald. "I'm pleasantly surprised at the important decisions that City Council made this morning."

"We're expecting thousands this Saturday for a day of music and inspiring speakers."

The Earth Walk will start, rain or shine, Saturday at 12 noon at City Hall, then proceed down Government Street. An afternoon concert starts at 1 pm on the back lawn of the Legislative Grounds. The concert includes such notable local talents as Daniel Lapp and the BC Fiddle Orchestra and Mae Moore. Anyone interested in peace, environment, justice, freedom of speech or music is invited to attend this free event.

"Council faced some difficult issues head-on this morning ," said Ronald. "Council Members, the Earth Walk Committee, and a letter from the BC Civil Liberties Association urged them to reconsider their policy. And they have agreed to do so. Victoria Council took the difficult step of realizing that their policy on special events may infringe on freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, as well as cause financial hardship for poor non-profit societies organizing community events. I'm sure that many community groups look forward to beginning a dialogue on these important issues."

The full text of Peter Ronald's presentation to Council is appended to this release, or may be obtained by request. As well, a five-page Earth Walk program with bios of musicians and speakers is available by request.

Mayor and Council,

My name is Peter Ronald, and I am the Coordinator of this year's Victoria Earth Walk. I am here representing the Walk's organizing Committee, a coalition of volunteers, individuals and supporting non-profit community groups who pull together every year to produce this wonderful event.

I hope you and your families will join this year's Earth Walk which begins, rain or shine, at 12 noon at Centennial Square this Saturday. Following the tradition of the last 14 years, thousands of Victoria residents will walk from here to the Legislature for a celebration of peace, environment and social justice. Our theme this year is "Together We Stand," celebrating our work towards building a more caring society.

The Walk is a full afternoon program of local musical talent and inspiring speakers. It is an all-ages event: there are organized activities for children. It is "grand parent-friendly." We put on a full afternoon of free entertainment for the entire family. Everybody, including all the musicians and speakers, are volunteers.

A fuller description of this community event can be found in our previous presentation to this Committee, which is part of the hand-out package you have just received.

Fees Policy Is An Infringement On Fundamental Rights

As the Coordinator of this year's Earth Walk, I am here to tell you about the hardship your new special events policy is having on our event, and other community events like it, and to ask you to reconsider your policy on event fees for non-profit organizations.

For the first time in its 15-year history, the Earth Walk is faced with unprecedented City-related charges. We have been asked to submit to the City non-refundable fees and damage deposits totaling over $2400. This represents a 50% increase in the costs of our event.

This policy is already having a chilling effect on non-profit community events, such as the Earth Walk. I have no doubt that this policy will lead inevitably to the canceling of similar events. The policy is a de facto discouragement of free speech and free assembly, especially by non-profit community groups without access to significant funding.

Groups such as the Earth Walk.

City Policy Will Impact Fundamental Freedoms

In fact, I believe this policy will encourage groups NOT to seek collaboration and cooperation with the City, but rather provoke more anarchic street demonstrations, by groups who understand that without thousands of dollars of fees and deposits, they can not legitimately exercise their Constitutional rights. This will result in unscheduled and unpaid policing expenses.

Fundamental rights, such as freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, clearly set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are laws that cannot be superseded by municipal policy.

There cannot be one rule for the rich, and another for the poor. Either Canadians have the right to assemble and discuss public policy or they do not.

I urge you to read the letter from the BC Civil Liberties Association, included in our hand-outs, to appreciate the depth of concern that this gives us.

Earth Walk Is Cooperative And Willing To Compromise

We have met extensively and cooperated with the City this year and throughout the history of our event. We have agreed to the City's request to change the route of the Walk, which has been used for the past 14 years. We are working actively with the Downtown Coordinator to make this a better event from all perspectives, including hers! We are doing our best.

We are providing deposits for items other than policing, many of which are being requested of us this year for the first time, to meet other City concerns. A portion of these is non-refundable; more fees in other words.

We have also adapted to the needs of the Legislative authorities by moving our main event to the back lawn of the Legislature. This has also significantly increased our costs.

My treasurer, a 15-year veteran of this event, tells me that we do not have adequate funds to pay for all of these unprecedented costs. Earlier we considered canceling the Walk. We will have to study the situation closely after this week to see if there will be another Earth Walk.

Earth Walk Appreciates The City

The Committee has asked me to thank Council for its support for the Earth Walk over the last fifteen years. In particular, the understanding you demonstrated of the importance of the event and our difficult financial situation by contributing $1000 towards expenses this year. While significantly short of the $2400 in city-related charges, your $1000 gesture is warmly appreciated.

And I want to say personally how much I appreciate the difficult task that has been handed to the Special Events Committee. We have cooperated in every way we have been asked to and feel that this Committee has cooperated with us.

The Committee also understands the tight fiscal climate with which the City is faced. Nevertheless, fundamental human rights cannot be sold by Victoria or by anyone else.

Indeed, in difficult financial times like these, the people of our City need community-spirited, civicly-minded special events like the Earth Walk. Our City's reputation rests on the forward looking, caring tone of events such as ours.

For all of these reasons, the City of Victoria has an important role to play in enabling and assisting these volunteer-inspired community events.

Our Requests

We have three specific requests to make of this committee:

1. That a parade permit be issued for this Saturday's Earth Walk.
2. That the policing fees over and above $1000, that is $643.52, be waived by the Committee of the Whole. We ask for your cooperation in making arrangements for the payment of the remaining fees.
3. And finally, that Council reconsider its policy of charging non-profit and free events, and that full public input on the matter be sought from those affected.

I thank you for your patience with our concerns, and the time you have given me this morning.

I look forward to seeing you all at Earth Walk 1996, this Saturday at noon, rain or shine.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For IMMEDIATE Release: April 17, 1996

VICTORIA-- The 1996 Victoria Earth Walk Committee is concerned that City officials have requested $1643 for policing, for the first time in the 15-year history of the Walk for justice, environment and peace.

"The Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly spells out the rights of Canadians to assemble for free speech without impediment. And yet the City has decided to charge a price for this basic human right. It's a fee on democracy," said Kealey Pringle, a member of the Committee, and former Walk Coordinator.

"There can't be one law for the rich and another for the poor," said Committee member and poverty activist Diane Atkins. "Either Canadians have the right to assemble and discuss public policy or they do not. We will ask City Council this Thursday at 9 am to waive all fees associated with this celebration of peace, justice and environment."

"We put on a full afternoon of free entertainment for the entire family. And it costs us only $4000. Everybody, including all the musicians and speakers, are volunteers. Only the sound technicians get paid," said Freda Knott, the Treasurer.

"The $2400 in assorted City fees is a 50% increase in our costs. We are already running a deficit, with the hopes that additional donations will come through. I've been with the Walk throughout its 15-year history. I just don't know how we can afford these new charges," Knott said.

This year's Coordinator, Peter Ronald, will address Victoria City's Committee of the Whole this Thursday, April 18 at 9 am at City Hall. Concerned members of the public are invited to attend. An opportunity for media interviews will follow.

The Walk will start, rain or shine, this Saturday at 12 noon at City Hall, then proceed down Government Street. An afternoon concert starts at 1 pm on the back lawn of the Legislative Grounds. Anyone interested in peace, environment, justice and free speech is invited to attend.

For IMMEDIATE Release: April 10, 1996

VICTORIA -- Ten outstanding musical acts and six thought-provoking speakers are featured at Earth Walk 1996, on Saturday, April 20th. Following the tradition of the last 14 years, the 15th Annual Walk will begin at City Hall's Centennial Square at 12 noon.

"This year, we will proceed down Government Street to the Provincial Legislature for a festival and rally. Thousands of Vancouver Islanders and Gulf Islanders are expected to participate in the festival for peace, the environment and justice," said Peter Ronald, this year's Walk Coordinator.

"At the Legislature, participants will enjoy our best-ever line-up of local musicians," said Music Coordinator Tracy Summers. They include Daniel Lapp and The B.C. Fiddle Orchestra, David Bitner, djole, Colleen Eccleston, Jeremy Greenhouse & The Effect, Mae Moore, Gumboot Dancers, Shumba Dumba, Hardie McIntosh and Stone Whistle. Speakers represent the Songhees Band, the Canadian Federation of Students, Together Against Poverty Society, End the Arms Race, Western Canada Wilderness Committee, and Skies Above Foundation.

"The festival is a free public performance hosted by the 1996 Victoria Earth Walk Committee. The Together We Stand theme highlights our collective desire to create a more caring society," said Ronald. "The stage will be supplemented by a children's area and dozens of community organizations staffing information tables."

The Walk is the flagship event of Earth Week, a ten-day festival of about 50 events, being held from April 19 to 28.

The entire programme is performed at the Legislature. Brief biographies follow.

12:40 Daniel Lapp & the BC Fiddle Orchestra
1:02 Chief Norman George, Songhees Band
1:07 Daniel Lapp
1:12 Penny Katzel, Canadian Federation of Students
1:17 Appeal, Colleen Eccelston
1:20 David Bitner
1:32 Jackie Ackerly, Together Against Poverty Society
1:37 djole
1:54 Bruce Torrie, Skies Above Foundation
1:59 Colleen Eccleston
2:11 Steven Staples, End the Arms Race
2:16 Jeremy Greenhouse and The Effect
2:38 Alison Spriggs, Western Canada Wilderness Cttee
2:43 Mae Moore
3:05 Gumboot Dancers
3:15 Shumba Dumba
3:27 Hardie McIntosh
3:39 Stone Whistle
4:01 STAGE CLOSES

For information, or to contact any of the performers or speakers:

• Tracy Summers, Music Coordinator, 361-9839
• Kealey Pringle, Programme Committee, 595-7955
• Peter Ronald, Walk Coordinator, 361-2610

PERFORMERS

To contact any of the following, phone Tracy Summers at 361-9839.

Mae Moore

With her uniquely expressive voice and her sublime artistry as a songwriter and arranger, Mae Moore creates vivid and compelling pictures of her own relationships from a very personal vantage point. Her music has the ability to move effortlessly through musical genres, mixing equal parts jazz and folk elements into her distinctly modern pop/rock arrangements. She has recorded three albums which have extensive airplay in Canada and the U.S. She toured in 1994 with The Crash Test Dummies.

Daniel Lapp and The B.C. Fiddle Orchestra

djole

Described as "world-beat chamber-jazz" their name comes from the Mandinka people of West Africa meaning, "the joy of life", as well as "to play music". Borrowing from the tradition of West Africa's griots who use the percussive and beautiful twenty-one string harp-lute called the kora, djole blends Afro-Brazilian motifs with the timeless hypnotic rhythm cycles of the North Indian tabla. Their album, "Indiscretion" was nominated in 1994 for a Juno Award for best global recording.

Jeremy Greenhouse and The Effect

Jeremy Greenhouse and The Effect is an infectious folky/grungy/funky foursome featuring singer-songwriter, guitarist, and virtuoso fiddler, Jeremy Greenhouse. Greenhouse began his performing career five years ago and released his critically-acclaimed first CD recording in Victoria in 1994 with a sold-out concert at the Kaleidoscope Playhouse.

Shumba Dumba

Gumboot Dancers

This group of dancers range from 12 to 18 years of age, most having learned Gumboot Dancing through the Island Dance Studio under the direction of Christine Richardson. Gumboot dancing originates in South Africa, in resistance to South African apartheid and discrimination. Black miners communicated with each other by rhythmic slapping of their boots, which expressed solidarity through dancing.

Stone Whistle

Stone Whistle is a high-energy five-piece ensemble from Victoria. They perform original material in a Celtic/Rock groove which is a style picking up considerable momentum in Canada. Their compositions incorporate traditional jigs and reels, highly arranged and delivered with drive. Stone Whistle have just released their first CD, "Salamanders".

Colleen Eccleston (Emcee and musician)

Colleen is a well-known Victoria artist who has recently moved back from Vancouver. She has put out four albums and is due to release two new albums, one in April and one in May. The first includes her brother Kelt. The second is being produced by husband Hugh MacMillan. Colleen has been the Emcee for the Walk for several years. She juggles being active for environment and peace movements with mothering her three boys.

David Bitner

David's music ranges from warm and weird love songs to intense, driving social commentaries with some of the wonkiest Afro-Ethnic folk rock, full of joyful and insightful humour. With a repertoire of hundreds of original songs, David integrates soul-stirring lyrics and mischievous word twisting to give the audience an intimate glimpse of his unique worldview.

Hardie McIntosh

Hardie is a Victoria singer-songwriter who has played across Canada for the past 15 years. His songs have touched the hearts of many in the environmental community, and he is currently recording an environmental album, "Gardeners and Other Heroes". Hardie is also a member of the Victoria group Blend, winners of the Q100's Rocktoria 8 contest.

SPEAKERS

Chief Norman George, Songhees Indian Band

The Earth Walk takes place on the traditional territory of the Songhees Band. For many years, Chief Norman George has opened the Walk with his insightful greetings and a message to participants.

Penny Katzel, Canadian Federation of Students

Penny is the B.C. Aboriginal Liaison for the Canadian Federation of Students and executive member of the UVic Native Student Union. She is from the Haida Nation and will be addressing the issues surrounding cuts to aboriginal post-secondary education. She was one of the students that participated in a 20-day hunger strike in demonstration against the cutbacks.

Jacquie Ackerly, Together Against Poverty Society

As president of Together Against Poverty Society, Jacquie works closely with provincial and national anti-poverty and social justice organizations including End Legislated Poverty, National Anti-Poverty Organization, and Action Canada Network. She has made presentations on poverty to both provincial and federal governments, and to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Bruce Torrie, Skies Above Foundation

Bruce Torrie is a lawyer and environmental policy analyst. Since 1990, he has focused on global environmental issues, particularly the state of the deteriorating ozone layer.

Steven Staples, End the Arms Race, Vancouver

Steven Staples is a community media activist, peace worker and community organizer. For nearly three years, he has coordinated the work of End the Arms Race, British Columbia's largest peace and disarmament organization. As an activist, he links his own work with that of other activists and movements across BC, Canada and around the world.

Alison Spriggs, Western Canada Wilderness Committee

Alison is the Campaign Coordinator for the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, Victoria branch. Growing up in Victoria, she witnessed the destruction of most of this area's natural wild lands. As a mother and an activist she is highly concerned about the protection of the Sooke Hills.

Victoria Peace Centre