Protesters 'Draw the Line' on government inaction
Thousands rallied in Toronto and beyond, denouncing government inaction on social, economic, and human rights issues as the federal budget looms.
Armed with placards, demonstrators rallied in downtown Toronto to push back against government priorities they feel are not aligned with public opinion.
Thousands took the streets in the city as simultaneous protests drew numbers around the country for the Draw the Line protest happening on Sept. 20.
Across 70 cities from coast to coast, communities gathered in solidarity to raise awareness for a plethora of issues that activists are saying are all interconnected.
Among the many pet causes strewn together was the call for an arms embargo on Israel, and calls for solidarity with the Palestinian movement.
The protest drew on the name of the Red Line for Gaza protests that have sparked debate all over the world. But while Gaza remains top of mind for many in attendance, some attendees were shining a light on specific local causes; such as Grassy Narrows — protests that demand government intervention as the Grassy Narrows First Nations endure mercury poisoning from the pollution in the Wabigoon River system.
“We are up against an anti-people agenda and we need to unite. We need to unite climate movements, social movements, economic movements, Indigenous Rights and Migrant Justice movements, and Palestine Solidarity movements to create a different vision of the world,” said Syed Hussan, spokesperson for the Migrant Rights Network.
This sentiment was echoed by young people like Gill Hopson, a York University student who decided to join the Draw the Line protest to bring awareness to the current situation in Gaza. For demonstrators like Hopson, a united front is a logical step forward.
“I generally think it’s good because each part of the movement is individually solid. It’s not like we have to align with people we don’t like. There’s no enemy of my enemy is my friend. There’s no forced cooperation,” said Hopson.
Many of the activists demonstrated displeasure with the current Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who they feel has failed to show leadership in the context of social issues.
“Today, we came here to say: We refuse to be divided and we want a completely different agenda, particularly in the context of the (federal) budget coming soon,” said Hussan.
In a speech to the crowd at Queen’s Park, Charlene Henry, tenant leader at 33 King St. and co-chair of the York South-Weston Tenant Union, critiqued the various levels of government for failing to address the current economic hardship many have had to endure.
“Every day we see things going up in price. We go to the supermarket and what we have to buy is more expensive. We have to drive, take transit — everything is more expensive. But the government is not doing anything to help us. Queen’s Park doesn’t help us. Parliament doesn’t help us. That’s why we are here today,” said an impassioned Henry.
The federal budget is currently scheduled to be tabled for Nov. 4.
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