Christy Clark issues statement on being "forced to cancel" #OmTheBridge

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      As all your Twitter friends have told you, the International Day of Yoga celebration on the Burrard Bridge has been cancelled after sponsors pulled out amid a major backlash.

      B.C. premier Christy Clark, who was "thrilled" to announce the event just a week ago, issued today (June 12) the following statement about the cancellation of #OmTheBridge:

      In April, I had the privilege of welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Vancouver. We discussed trade, investment - and yoga. India is rightfully proud of their gift to the world, and how it has become part of the cultural fabric of British Columbia.

      Yoga is about attaining inner peace and harmony. Our intention was to join with other centres around the world in celebrating the United Nations' International Day of Yoga in that spirit.

      Unfortunately, the focus of the proposed Burrard Street Bridge event has drifted towards politics - getting in the way of the spirit of community and inner reflection. It was for that reason, I decided not to participate.

      I want to thank our sponsors for organizing an inclusive event with the very best of intentions. Though we are forced to cancel the Burrard Street Bridge event, I hope British Columbians will still feel encouraged to participate in their events elsewhere.

      The United Nations designated June 21st as the International Day of Yoga and I'm pleased that there are events taking place across the province to celebrate it. June 21st is also recognized in Canada as National Aboriginal Day, also with events across the province - and the country.

      B.C.'s greatest strength is our diversity. I hope June 21st will be about celebrating the best part of us all.

      NDP MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert had this to say on Twitter:

      Kids' entertainer Raffi (of "Baby Beluga" fame), who pushed the hashtag #ShunTheBridge, also chimed in with his thoughts:

      Comments

      35 Comments

      BeginningAsBrian

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:09pm

      So much for that diversion. The discussion must get back to where it belongs, which is the malicious incompetence and coverup over firing of health workers, and the tragedy that Clark's brutalist government spurred with its recklessness.

      Nishnobber

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:09pm

      The kicker here is that a variation of this statement provided from the outset could very well have enabled the event to proceed.

      There was no yoga hating in this event (aside from actual people who hate yoga) - it was about Premier Clark's ham-handed approach to announcing the event. Her tactless tweet yesterday only poured fuel on the flames.

      Alexey

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:13pm

      I do yoga several times a week and I wouldn't be happy to do it on the bridge. Just accept it: "IT WAS THE STUPID IDEA". Say it, Christy.

      judie

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:17pm

      Ms. Clark and her people's insensitivity to Aboriginal Day Her high school post make it clear it was about politics and HER good press from taking the yoga lead. I'll be celebrating Aboriginal Day and remembering the survivors of Canada's genocide.

      Buddislander

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:26pm

      Inner reflection is something Chrusty the clown has never tried.
      Practicing yoga would do her the world of good. Balance and being centered are definitely not part of her reality.

      Natty

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:35pm

      You have to wonder how much the people of India care about all these kow towing gestures. Between the $11 million spent on the Times of India awards gala and the money that was going to be spent for this yoga event, what, if anything, is the return on investment?

      uknow

      Jun 12, 2015 at 1:47pm

      i'm still waiting for her resignation for this & all the other blunders she has created over the years. she's become a joke

      James Blatchford

      Jun 12, 2015 at 2:01pm

      ..."the focus.....has drifted toward politics"....huh?!?

      The event STANK of politics, Madam Premier....your politics. Try some "inner reflection" on that.

      So...

      Jun 12, 2015 at 2:17pm

      Is Baby Beluga looking to run in the next election?

      SPY vs SPY

      Jun 12, 2015 at 2:23pm

      EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!