Protesters gathered outside the Vancouver Public Library on a Saturday afternoon, with various progressive civil society groups coming together to voice their opposition to certain aspects of the new Liberal government’s policies.
The participants expressed their concerns about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approval of fossil fuel projects, anticipated cuts to public services, as well as issues relating to Indigenous rights, anti-war movements, and more.
The organizers of the protest made their stance clear, stating online, “We are not willing to watch idly as the government and Canada’s wealthiest corporations accumulate wealth, slash public services, contribute to climate crisis, mistreat migrants, exploit Indigenous territories, and support atrocities in Palestine.”
They emphasized the unity of various movements – climate justice, migrant justice, economic justice, Indigenous rights, and anti-war efforts – in standing against these actions.
A similar event also took place in Toronto’s Sankofa Square, with attendees gearing up for a march to Queens Park. The Toronto protest featured speeches by prominent figures like environmentalist David Suzuki and Chrissy Isaacs, a member of the Grassy Narrows First Nation.
According to a press release from the organizers, the protest highlighted opposition to the government’s handling of Bill C-2 on immigration and Bill C-5 on major project legislation.
This protest precedes the federal government’s budget presentation on Nov. 4 and is part of a series of climate protests happening in cities across Canada, including Ottawa and Montreal.