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OTTAWA – As an organization that encourages Canadians to protect, restore and enjoy a healthy and safe planet, Sierra Club Canada condemns the violence surrounding last weekend’s G20 summit in Toronto and supports the right to peaceful assembly.

"Violence - by extremists or police officers - has no rightful place in a democratic protest environment," said Emily Rideout, Sierra Club Canada's G20 representative.

The summit was marred by violence from self-described anarchists who vandalized property and antagonized police. In turn, police officers with newly-expanded powers conducted the largest mass arrest in Canadian history, jailing journalists, peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders, among others.

The violence on both sides drew attention away from the urgent messages of many peaceful protesters. Calls for action on climate change and mining rights were ignored by indifferent political leaders and an easily-distracted media.

“The media has diverted attention from the real issues of the G20 by focusing on the violence in the streets, but we can't lose sight of the real reasons protesters took to the streets of Toronto this weekend: the G20 nations are failing to address the major issues of our time," said Ms. Rideout.

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Contact:

Robb Barnes
Communications Intern
Sierra Club Canada
robbb@sierraclub.ca
613.241.4611 x230