Swedish activist Greta Thunberg in Edmonton for climate rally

EDMONTON – Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg stayed away from any direct criticism of Alberta’s oilsands as she took her message to the provincial capital.

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The 16-year-old told thousands of people in front of the legislature in Edmonton that the future of the planet is at stake.

A group of oil and gas industry supporters planned a counter-rally at the event but were vastly outnumbered by climate activists.

Glen Carritt, who organized the United We Roll convoy that travelled to Ottawa in February, organized a similar convoy that started in Red Deer on Friday morning.

WATCH: Greta Thunberg comes to Calgary

A crowd of people stretching two city blocks first marched with Thunberg through the downtown to the legislature.

The teen has been making international headlines for criticizing world leaders who she accuses of letting down youth by doing too little to tackle climate change.

Carritt said Albertans in the oil and gas sector are frustrated with celebrities visiting the province and telling them how to run their business.

Premier Jason Kenney has said the Alberta government won’t seek out a meeting with the teen, but hopes she takes time to learn how the province has some of the greenest oil and gas rules in the world.

Kenney also criticized Thunberg’s motives during a visit to a power plant on Friday, which is switching from coal to natural gas.

“They’re opposed to the entire modern industrial economy. Their manifesto effectively calls for shutting down our entire modern economy. So, that is not a real world solution,” Kenney said.

The Edmonton Police Service said they prepared for this event as they would for any other major city event.

“We would like to reassure the citizens of the Edmonton that the EPS is working to ensure sufficient resources are in place to manage the demonstrations,” says Inspector Jonathan Coughlan with the EPS Field Response Branch. “Traffic congestion in the downtown core is expected to be significant during the rally and protest. The EPS suggests that citizens be mindful of this and make plans to take other routes.”

 

 

The Canadian Press with files from CityNews

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