Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 23/05) - Fans of the CBC have something to do next Friday night other than watch repeats of the Antiques Road Show.

Northerners for Public Broadcasting is holding a dance at the Elk's Club on Sept. 30 in support of locked-out CBC workers.

The group formed this month to call for an end to the CBC lockout "on terms that are good for Northerners."

Alternatives North organized the first meeting.

The group now comprises a coalition that includes the Status of Women, the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities, the NWT Literacy Council, the Catholic Diocese, the YWCA, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, the Union of Northern Workers and other non-governmental organizations.

"We're going to hold a series of Friday events," said Steve Petersen, regional vice-president for the Northern Territories Federation of Labour. "As Christmas gets closer, there are going to be mortgages, gifts for kids and other expenses faced by locked-out workers. We want to show that there is support from various entities in the community."

Admission to the dance is by donation. Locked-out radio host Norbert Poitras is organizing live music for the event. On Oct. 7, the coalition will hold a silent auction, also at the Elk's Club. Live music will be a part of that event, as well.

"In the North, the CBC is an essential service, particularly for smaller communities," spokesperson Suzette Montreuil said. "That's why we feel an expression of public support is needed."