On July 6, 2013, a runaway train filled with oil crashed into Lac-Mégantic killing 47 people and decimating much of the small town.
While we will never be able to erase the scars from this tragic disaster, efforts are being made to transform the horrors of that day into an initiative that will protect people from the recklessness of the oil companies.
A number of vigils and actions are taking place this week in memory of those lost. It is also an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the people of Lac-Mégantic. The oil companies may continue to seek to put profits ahead of human lives but the events in this small town one year ago have galvanized opposition.
The lives lost cannot be in vain. A large number of people are vowing to make these tragic events into something that resonates for future generations. From the ashes of that terrible day there is a beacon of hope emerging.
We can stand up to oil wealth and we can protect people from the horrible fate of those who were killed and those whose lives were irrevocably changed forever.
© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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