Frustrated organizers of G-8 protests are launching a constitutional battle to overturn the City of Calgary's refusal to allow them to hold events in municipal parks and dared police to make arrests at an unlawful picnic they intend to hold.
Activists are scheduled to appear in Court of Queen's Bench on Tuesday -- the same day Prime Minister Jean Chretien and other G-8 leaders arrive in Calgary.
They want the courts to declare bylaws prohibiting demonstrations in city parks as unconstitutional under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The legal challenge will shine a spotlight on the issues of free speech and assembly on the eve of the meeting of the leaders of the world's most powerful industrialized democracies at a highly secured mountain resort in Kananaskis Village.
"It's of fundamental importance to Canadians," said lawyer Shirish Chotalia, who will argue the case mounted by the Alberta Federation of Labour and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
The activists have been trying for weeks to find a venue for the so-called Solidarity Village cultural and educational program. The city denied the application, citing safety concerns.
Calgary bylaws governing parks make it illegal to demonstrate, give a public address, do anything likely to cause a public gathering, or take part in any procession, drill, performance, ceremony or concert. However, city officials have the power to "authorize an activity otherwise prohibited."
The suit contends the bylaws violate provisions of the Charter that guarantee "fundamental freedoms" of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Meanwhile, activist leader Sarah Kerr said people will gather at a People's Picnic at Riley Park on Wednesday in defiance of the bylaw against political rallies in public parks.
"Parks are public land -- we're going there," Kerr said. "We don't have a permit, but we're going to picnic. Public parks are exactly the sort of place we should be having political conversation and if the City or police find reason to take us away from there, it will be one more affront to democracy."
The picnic is slated to run from 1 to 3 p.m. on the summit's opening day.
Mayor Dave Bronconnier has taken a hard line on using city parks for political purposes, but said Sunday he'll let police decide whether charges will be laid.
"We support protest, as long as it's peaceful and meets the expectations of Calgarians on the use of public space," he said.
FAIR USE NOTICE: This page contains copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. NoNonsense English offers this material non-commercially for research and educational purposes. I believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner, i.e. the media service or newspaper which first published the article online and which is indicated at the top of the article unless otherwise specified.