Vancouver trying to change the March for Murdered and Missing Women- Olympics blamed

Vancouver trying to change the March for Murdered and Missing Women- Olympics blamed

http://www.petitiononline.com/feb14/petition.html

It has been brought to our attention that the City of Vancouver, Olympic

officials, and the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit are trying to

change the historic Feb 14, 2010, March for Murdered and Missing Women in

order to ensure 'flow of Olympic traffic' down Hastings Street.

As residents of the DTES and supporters of the Memorial March, we completely

oppose any change in date, time, or route of the Memorial March. This March

has been happening for 18 years to honour our sisters who die each year due

to the violence of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual abuse. It is

something far more significant and sacred than the Olympic Games, which has

already increased poverty, homelessness, and policing in our neighbourhood.

The government is spending billions on a circus, while putting people aside.

We, the women in the Downtown Eastside and our supporters, demand that:

. There be no attempts to change or control our Feb 14th Memorial March .

Not a single person be forcibly removed, evicted, or displaced from their

homes in the Downtown Eastside and any other community due to the Olympics.

tanx everyone for signing! and keep signing to back city staff in negaotiations /VANOC

City of Vancouver information bulletin

September 24, 2009

City confirms support for Women's Memorial March in February 2010

The City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department, community and other partners want to confirm their support for the annual Women's Memorial March and assure it will occur on the same date, time and route as in past years.

The march is planned for February 14, 2010 to proceed through Downtown

Eastside neighbourhoods.

The Women's Memorial March is coordinated by the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre to take place every year on February 14 to honour the lives of missing and murdered women from the Downtown Eastside.

While next year's event will occur as it does every year, it is taking place

during the Olympic Winter Games period. The Vancouver Police Department and partners will work with organizers to ensure the march can operate safely

during busy traffic conditions predicted for downtown Vancouver. During the

Games, significantly more buses, vehicles and pedestrians will be in the

downtown area.

Over the past months, City staff and partners have been meeting with groups

to determine the best way for events and festivals to be staged during the

busy Games period.

Media contact:

Corporate Communications

604.871.6336

IB2009-11