To the editor:

For too long, the working people of B.C. resource towns like Kelowna havensa国际传媒檛 had a real voice in the political decisions directly affecting their lives, and livelihoods sa国际传媒� about pipeline projects, new mines, forestry tenures.

Thatsa国际传媒檚 not only a tragedy for Kelowna, itsa国际传媒檚 a travesty for resource development across Canada.

Last spring, we launched Suits and Boots to change that. Founded by six people in April, we have since grown to more than 3,200 people across Canada sa国际传媒� suits in offices and boots out in the field alike doing the important work that makes Canada such a prosperous nation.

We have held rallies and flown banners over Parliament. We have written senators asking them to kill the current version of Bill C-69 and send back to the House of Commons so this flawed attempt at re-working Canadasa国际传媒檚 environmental assessment regulations can be re-done. We have sat down with politicians in our capital to call for change. We have been invited to the prime ministersa国际传媒檚 office to hear our side of the story.

We have been constructive, offering solutions and ensuring the perspectives of resource sector working Canadians finally gain a voice.

We have an impact. Because you now have a voice.

We have only been successful because 3,200 Canadians have signed on to get involved sa国际传媒� writing letters to Senators and MPs, showing up at events, and lending their support.

Bill C-69 will soon be going before the Senate environment and natural resources committee. The fate of Canadasa国际传媒檚 resource sector hangs in the balance. Now is the time we need our voice. Now is the time for Kelowna and other resource towns across Canada stand up, be counted, and speak up.

We can help you do that. If yousa国际传媒檙e interested, visit to read more, and make your voice heard in Ottawa.

Sincerely,

Rick Peterson, founder

Suits and Boots