Quebec students demand climate representation from federal parties

MONTREAL, Feb. 12, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - ECO, a coalition of Quebec student associations representing over 100,000 students, launched a crowdfunding campaign today seeking to raise $60,000 in three weeks. The money will be used to fund pressure tactics aimed at political parties who support the Energy East pipeline proposal, and other student actions targeting pipelines.

"Quebec students feel that a functional democracy would allow the voices of two-thirds of Quebecers and half of Canadians, the number who oppose the pipeline, to be heard," said ECO spokesperson Amina Moustaqim-Barrette. "We are demanding that at least one of the three main parties represent the position held by half the population."

The goal of the campaign is to force NDP or Liberals, if not both, to switch their position on the pipeline before this year's election.

"As students, when our scientists speak with one voice we listen," added ECO spokesperson Anthony Garoufalis-Auger. "According to the best science available, 85% of the tar sands has to stay in the soil. That can't happen if Energy East is built."

"Our leaders have failed us, but we aren't going to let them destroy this planet without a fight," continued Moustaqim-Barrette. "It isn't a question of politics, it's a question of self-preservation."

The coalition plans to use civil disobedience and nonviolent direct action to confront any and all political parties who support Energy East.

"We'll use this money to make sure no politician can campaign in Quebec without us being there to meet them," continued Garoufalis-Auger. "It's about time there were consequences for parties that oppose real action on climate change."

The campaign, including a professionally-produced pitch video, can be seen at: http://igg.me/at/CoalitionECO

Short clips and stills from the crowd-funder video are available in HD at coalitioneco.org

Étudiants et Étudiantes Contre les Oléoducs is a coalition of Quebec student associations which represents over 100,000 Quebec students.

SOURCE La Coalition Étudiants et étudiantes Contre les Oléoducs (ÉCO)

For interviews or other media inquiries call Ethan Cox at 514-662-0070, Email: [email protected], Web: www.coalitioneco.org, Twitter: @CoalitionECO