Olympic Torch Run Protests

On the first day of the Olympic Torch Run hundreds of protesters in Victoria BC disrupted the planned run and celebrations.

The Canadian Press reported protesters representing a variety of causes were there, from environmentalists to anti-war demonstrators to native-rights advocates.

Several anti-Olympics groups have sprouted up as the Games approach, promising to protest not just the torch relay but the Games themselves. The Olympic Resistance Network has sent out a call for activists across the country to use the relay to protest the Winter Games or other issues.

While the protest was generally peaceful protesters used marbles to put police horses, which were present to monitor the crowd, at risk of injury by falling.

Some activists have said they were inspired by the protests along the international torch relay ahead of last year's Beijing Olympics, primarily targeting China's human rights record. Those demonstrations showed the torch presents a useful podium for getting a message out to the world.

For the full story from the Canadian Press go to: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/091031/national/oly2010_torch_protests

While we hope that the Olympic Torch Run is seen as a celebration as it crosses our great country, communities where it is passing need to be prepared for the protests that may accompany it.

Provincial Emergency Management Conference

An amazing success.

After EMO cancelled their plans to host the annual Provincial Emergency Management Conference, the Red Cross (Ontario Zone) stepped in with only two months to go and they did a great job. Having been at many emergency management conferences, this one would rate at the very top. The organization was well done, the speakers were interesting, the program was jam packed, and the networking was great. Of course, Deerhurst is a wonderful place for a conference.

Congratulations to John Saunders (conference advisor), Annie Burke (conference chair), Tammy Fedick (registration), Jean Lodge (program), and Jack Lodge (logistics) and all of their volunteer support for a job well done. Special thanks to Jean and Jack Lodge for the evening of entertainment. Annie deserves a special round of applause for her leadership.

The Red Cross demonstrated in so many ways, through the successful rescuing of this conference, how they can be counted on. Ron, you have a great team.