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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - About 30 Yellowknifers rallied outside NDP MP Dennis Bevington's office on Friday in support of the proposed coalition government.

Some participants were wearing signs with slogans such as "Harper, the Grinch that stole Democracy" and "Hey Hey Ho Ho Harper Has to Go."

NDP Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington was joined by Yellowknifers in support of replacing the Conservative minority government with a coalition between the Liberals and NDP. Roughly 30 people rallied outside Bevington's office on Friday afternoon. - Cara Loverock/NNSL photo

Rally participant Ben McDonald called the suspension of Parliament approved last Thursday by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean "anti-democratic." A confidence motion that had been scheduled for Monday has now been avoided due to the government being prorogued.

Andreas Tesfaye, vice-president for the Western Arctic riding association of the Conservative Party, said a coalition government is an "un-Canadian" way of thinking. "I don't think people really know the repercussions of a coalition," said Tesfaye. "I don't think (a coalition) would fly very well. I don't think it would last."

He said he hopes to see Prime Minister Stephen Harper remain in office and that Canada will have a proper and functioning government. Bevington was present for the rally and said he plans to spend the coming weeks travelling to communities in the North to talk about the coalition as well as Parliament and the economy.

"The coalition is going to continue its work over the next six weeks," said Bevington. "It's not about political survival. It had nothing to do with that."

So far, he said, the coalition has put together a common policy platform and an accord.

"It shows how Canadians can work together," he said.

Bevington said he hopes to be able to hold a town hall meeting in Yellowknife in the new year.

"This is about a very democratic process," said Bevington of the move to form a coalition. "I would encourage everyone to take an interest."

The rally was organized by the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Sonja Boucher of the alliance said the rally had been organized before the suspension of Parliament.

"The real issue is the economy. Canadians are out of work," said Boucher.

"(We) urge Canadians to support the coalition and get our economy back on track."

Comparing Harper to the title character of the Dr. Seuss book How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Boucher said only a minority of canadians support the Conservative Party.

"Sixty-two per cent (of Canadians) didn't vote for him."

Yellowknife was one of many cities with rallies supporting the coalition. In Ottawa last Thursday, thousands rallied on Parliament Hill for the coalition with more planned across the country, as well as demonstrations against the coalition. No rally against the coalition was organized for Yellowknife.