VANCOUVER - Representatives of the 43 missing Mexican student teachers are in Vancouver. The mother of one of the missing and a fellow student are on a tour  that will eventually take them to Ottawa. The organizers held a news conference in front of the Mexican consulate in downtown Vancouver denouncing the Mexican government`s lack of action and cover-up.

The 43 students were disappeared by police in Iguala, Guerrero last September. While more than a dozen mass graves have since been uncovered in the immediate area, proof of the students whereabouts or fate have not been found.

Speaking at the press conference were Hilda Legideño Vargas, a single mother who`s son is among the missing and Jorge Luis Clemente Balbuena, a member of the student committee of the Ayotzinapa teachers’ college. Also on hand were MP Libby Davies and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

The case has ignited a storm of opposition to state corruption and violence across Mexico. The Canadian government and corporate media have ignored the case.

The Canadian tour has been organized by Co-Dev Canada and other human rights groups to publicize the case and pressure the Mexican government.  It will eventually arrive in Ottawa for meetings with politicians.

While in Vancouver the caravan will be at several events including a BC Teachers Federation gathering at 4pm today at their Vancouver offices; a Vancouver District Labour Council Solidarity Night tomorrow at the Maritime Labour Centre at 6pm; a discussion at UBC on Wednesday from 1pm – 3pm at the UBC Global Lounge (2205 Lower Mall, Building 1) and a fundraiser on Friday night at the Commercial Drive Legion starting at 6pm.

More information see Ayotzinapa to Ottawa Caravan