The group organizing a bridal show at the Bay Centre this weekend is a strong supporter of the Idle No More movement, but could not risk the event being disrupted by a demonstration, a director of Just Love Animals Society said Thursday.
The Modern Bride show — which includes a real wedding, speakers and exhibitors — has taken months to plan and is a major fundraiser for its campaign against the sale of pets in stores, said Lonnie Powell.
“We have spent thousands of man hours and a lot of money on this, and the last thing the bride wants to remember from her wedding day is a 300-person protest,” said Powell, whose non-profit group had asked for help from police and mall management if the demonstration interfered with their show.
“I don’t want Idle No More to get any backlash from this. In no way are we disrespecting or stopping someone from getting their message across, but there’s a time and place.”
Powell said he is concerned as some Facebook postings seem to suggest protesters should still go to the Bay Centre, even though the pow-wow has been moved to Centennial Square.
That could lead to problems with insurers or exhibitors that could bankrupt JLA, said Powell.
The group is raising money to help persuade local councils to change their bylaws to forbid the sale of pets in retail stores.
Idle No More organizer James Taylor said in a Facebook message to the Times Colonist that there would be no clash as the demonstration has been moved.
“This is not about confrontation. This is a peaceful movement and peaceful celebration.”
