Vancouver Constituents conduct “sit-in” until Emerson agrees to talk to them

(February 24, 2006) Vancouver – Frustrated with being ignored by their Member of Parliament; newly converted Conservative David Emerson; today a group of Vancouver-Kingsway Constituents took over his Constituency office initiating a “sit-in” until Mr. Emerson deigns to depart his Ivory Tower and actually engage in a face to face conversation with the people who employ him.

One of the organizers of the “sit-in”, Mr. Manuel Pereda (a resident of Vancouver-Kingsway), expressed both his frustration and his commitment saying, “After numerous efforts to get Mr. Emerson to talk to us we have finally had enough and we are prepared take all peaceful steps to ensure our Democratic rights are respected. We will be staying here until he has the decency to meet with the people for whom he works”.

While the group of residents who have initiated this action are modest by “professionally organized” standards this action is expected to grow throughout the weekend as more concerned citizens of Vancouver-Kingsway join in to show their support for this action. The formal response from Mr. Emerson’s office, including asking the Police to intervene, is unknown at this time.