Anti-Harper protesters send PM cold message

Despite the cold, about 50 people turned out for an anti-Harper protest at the Manitoba Legislature Saturday afternoon.

Local representatives of various groups, such as the Council of Canadians and CUPE, took part to raise awareness about their concerns with the Conservative government's approach under Stephen Harper to environmental issues and treaty rights.

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Organizer Sadie Lavoie said Harper's support of massive pipeline projects, such as the Keystone XL, is a concern.

"He's paving the way allowing them to come in and pollute our waters, land, animals and air," she said. "He is basically cooking up the earth and we disallow."

Lavoie said she was pleased with the turn out, given the bitter cold, and she remains optimistic demonstrations like Saturday's can change things.

"For me personally, going to rallies in the past, it always gave me a hope inside that there was always that possibility for change, as long as we are motivated," she said. "And we are very determined."