In light of the recent Lac Megantic train and oil transport disaster in Quebec, we know the impacts of our addiction to oil can be devastating.  Our condolences and hearts are with the people of Lac Magantic.

Our campaign to Save the Arctic has been speaking out against the immeasurable threats oil drilling poses to the pristine Arctic.  We wanted to do something this July to strengthen awareness and involvement in the campaign.   So everyone’s invited to join Greenpeace volunteers for a flash mob outreach activity in Toronto.

Arctic Oil Balloon Toss – There Will Be Spills!

We’ll meet up at 1pm for an overview of the game and get organized.  Wear a white shirt and clothes/bathing.  We’ll be tossing black balloons filled with water.  And there will be spills!  

When: Saturday July 27th, 2013 

  • 1pm first toss and group photo
  • 1-4pm ongoing balloon toss game for the public, a participatory banner and volunteer picnic! 

Where:  South-East Corner of Christie Pitts Park (on the grass close to Bloor and Christie). Click here for a locaton map.  

What to bring: water bottle, sunscreen, a blanket to picnic on and make sure to wear a white shirt.

Please RSVP if you can make it so we can prepare enough balloons and snacks. Email: 

Help promote: Forward this email or share the Facebook Event and our online action with your friends, family and networks.

Note:  If it is raining we will post-pone this activity.  So check the weather forecast and RSVP so we can update you.  TTC tokens will be provided for those who need, to supplement travel costs.  Snacks will be provided.  Let us know if there are any other accessibility concerns when you RSVP and we will do our best to accommodate.

More Background:

Our main goal is to activate the public and remind Prime Minister Harper that if he keeps pushing for oil drilling in the Arctic, it won’t be a matter of IF there will be spills, but WHEN. Harper has made it clear that he will do whatever it takes to push through dirty oil development, even if that means trampling on Indigenous rights and environmental protections while ignoring the risk of Arctic oil spills.

If oil drilling happens in the Arctic, we know there will be spills.  Even Shell VP Peter Slaiby said:“There’s no sugar-coating this, I imagine there will be spills”.

Canada just took over as chair of the Arctic Council, an international forum set up to ensure the health and sustainability of the Arctic region.   For the next two years, the Harper government will set the agenda for the Arctic Council.  Stephen Harper wants to use this as an opportunity to push through dangerous and destructive oil drilling.   

Come out to this event and help us tell PM Harper to put his oil agenda aside and protect the Arctic from oil spills.  And if you haven’t already shown support for the campaign, make sure you sign-on here.