Climate change protestors disrupt PC rally in Winnipeg

Two climate change protesters with large signs interrupted Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister's speech at a rally on Mondayat the Clarion Hotel in Winnipeg.

Protestors RileyMcMurray and Natalie Dyck spoke in association with theManitoba Energy Justice Coalition (MEJC), a group that seeks to eliminate fossil fuel use and protect watersheds in Manitoba.

"I don't agree withEnergy East, I don't agree with the oil extraction that's happening in this country," Dyck said.

McMurray and Dycksaid theytargeted the PC rally because the party has not yet filled out a voluntary survey sent by MEJC.The yes-or-no questionnaireattempts to find out where parties stand on reducing Manitoba'scarbon emissionsand the controversialEnergy East Pipeline projectahead of the April 19 election.

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"It has 22 questions on where parties stand on climate change. Even the Manitoba Party filled it out. The Progressive Conservatives despite numerous attempts to contact themabout seven or eighthave not given a comment," said McMurray.

"We're pushed to do this type of thing because the [Progressive] Conservatives were ignoring us."

During the rallyMcMurray called on Pallister to lay out the PC'sclimate change commitments.

Pallister responded by outlining hisplan to remove conservation from Manitoba Hydro's mandate and createan arm's lengthagency to encourage energy conservation.

• Tories promise independent Manitoba Hydro oversight agency

"It's not right to have the agency that sells you hydrotry to tell you they want you to use less," saidPallister.

After the rally, Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister said the protesters hada right to be there and express their views.

"I've been a protestor so I understand," Pallister said.

The PC leaderadded environmental stewardship is animportant issue to discuss and he respects the protestors' passion for the issue.

"The gentleman was raising issues of concern to me, quite frankly," Pallister.

"I tend to agree with some of his concerns."

In anemail, Manitoba Progressive Conservative spokesperson Howard May said the Progressive Conservatives have confidence in Canada's regulators when it comes to the Energy East Pipeline issue.

"Our role as legislators is to participate in the process and when it concludes ensure what next steps are warranted," May said.

"Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing our planet. We will work in true spirit of partnership with federal, provincial and industry stakeholders," he added.

When asked whether the Progressive Conservatives plan on completing the MEJC survey, May said he will have an answer on Tuesday.