CALEB NICKERSON
FORT COULONGE Sept. 27, 2019
On Friday afternoon, the front entrance of École secondaire Sieur de Coulonge was packed with students . . .
waving signs and chanting slogans as they prepared to march into town as part of the Global Climate Strike. The series of international protests were meant to coincide with the United Nations climate summit, held on Sept. 23, and were inspired, in large part, by teenaged Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who participated in the Montreal strike.
According to their website, the strikers hope to demonstrate that they “have the people power [they] need to create a just world and end the era of fossil fuels.” They aim to pressure lawmakers to take more aggressive action to curb climate change, and several federal leaders, as well as almost all the candidates for the Pontiac riding took part in marches across the region.
ESSC teacher Caroline Marion explained that staff had discussed participating during one of the professional development days at the start of the year. She said that science teacher Madeleine Vallières, activity coordinator Melissa Langevin and Vice-principal Gabie Paré had spearheaded the organization of the march.
Marion said that they estimate around 300 students and staff took part in the protest, which took them through the centre of town down to Le Patro and concluded seven km later at L’École Poupore.
“We want to make people in the community aware about why we’re walking,” she said.
The procession had a police and fire truck escort, and the marchers received many honks and cheers of support from halted motorists as they passed through the intersection at Hwy. 148.
