Premier twice ducks protesters
Copyright 2004 Parksville Qualicum News, Tuesday, March 30, 2004
by Steven Heywood

Liberal party supporters were heckled and jeered by over 100 protesters as they entered the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre Friday night for a $150-a-plate dinner with Premier Gordon Campbell.

Liberal party supporters had to walk a gauntlet of jeers and shouts from protesters at Friday night's fundraising dinner in Qualicum Beach.

An estimated 150 people stood in the rain outside the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, hoping to catch a glimpse of Gordon Campbell prior to the event.

However, Campbell was ushered in through a rear entrance to join the 300 people who paid $150 each for the dinner.

Ten RCMP officers, security guards and the Premier's personal bodyguards taped off a section of the centre's entryway to allow event organizers and guests safe passage.

"It's our right to be able to stand here," said protester Chris Drake. "We can say what we like, they don't have to listen to us."

Drake was warned by police not to impede people as they entered the building, or face possible arrest.

"Remember some people can't afford to eat tonight, as you pay $150 to have a meal with the Premier," Drake repeated to passers-by.

Police officers took pictures of the crowd, however, the gathering remained peaceful, but loud.

Using a megaphone, protesters chastised the government's policies on welfare and health care cuts, decried the proposed Cathedral Grove parking lot, and sang songs about Campbell's drinking and driving misdemeanor in Hawaii.

Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Judith Reid braved the protesters both in Qualicum Beach and earlier in the day at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities conference in Parksville.

Copyright 2004 Parksville Qualicum News