Crowd Archives | Solidarity: The Largest Political Protest in British Columbia’s History

October 15 Rally – “Common Cause” clip

Narrator [00:00:00] Solidarity brought a different message to the convention. [00:00:05] Outside in the streets, British Columbians continued to affirm their opposition to the Government’s intention to […]

Empire Stadium rally – “Common Cause” clip

Narrator [00:00:00] Solidarity called for a mass rally. The turnout was staggering. 50000 people came and in common cause, paraded, sang and spoke for the rights of all. […]

The People’s Commission public hearing

The Solidarity Coalition held its own round of consultations around British Columbia in 1984. In large and small communities public hearings were held.

Solidarity picket lines

Members of other unions and the Solidarity Coalition joined BCGEU picket lines at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver once the strike deadline had passed on October 31, 1983.

BCGEU strike vote

B.C. Government Employees Union members file past ballot boxes during strike vote at the PNE Agrodome on October 5, 1983.

Crowd at the Hotel Vancouver, October 15 rally

For two hours the demonstrators marched around the Hotel Vancouver, exchanging catcalls with Social Credit Party delegates. They then marched to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza.

“Sit-in at the Hotel Vancouver” poster

Without the benefit of social media, computers or cell phones, organizers used printed materials and telephones for communication.

Rally in Robson Square

Cabinet Office occupiers emerged from the building to a boisterous welcome from more than 2,000 people outside.

Picketers and Solidarity supporters in Prince George

Protests and rallies continued around British Columbia, sometimes combined with local labour disputes. This one in Prince George included picketers involved in a lengthy strike at the local […]

Farmworkers, Empire Stadium rally

As wave after wave of people filled Empire Stadium the atmosphere was one of community, strength and determination.

Postal workers and public employees, Empire Stadium rally

As the band played on, people cheered and cried with joy; it was a moment when it seemed anything was possible.

Bus drivers, Empire Stadium rally

Uniformed bus drivers, members of the Independent Canadian Transit Union, parked their buses along Hastings Street to join the rally.