The streets were crackling with people power.
On Saturday, I had the honour of co-hosting the Ottawa “Draw the Line” demonstration, which attracted thousands of participants, including a strong contingent of Council members. Activists from the Ottawa chapter played a leading role in this remarkable organizing effort.
And it wasn’t just in the capital that people turned out to call for putting people, planet and peace before profit. Tens of thousands of Canadians across the country joined in over 70 actions organized as part of the September 20 “Draw the Line” day of action.
Below you’ll find media coverage and photos from the Council’s chapters that reflect the cross-Turtle Island efforts of hundreds of activists.
View the full CTV National clip in the media section below.
Council of Canadians banners and flags were visible at rallies across the country, and local chapters playing a key role in local organizing. Local media interviewed chapter activists and mentioned our role in this broad coalition, from Peterborough to P.E.I., from Penticton B.C. to St. John’s, Nfld., from Arnprior to Red Deer. Like many Council activists, I attended the Ottawa rally wearing our new “Billionaires vs. All of Us” t-shirt, which got rave reviews.
I am deeply grateful to all the members and organizers who put the time in to manifest these actions. From big cities to small towns, we’re building a network that can challenge the corporate power grab and mobilize for the Canada we want.
We are compiling photos and new articles to for this page. Please send yours to makbar@canadians.org to have them included.
What’s next, you ask? The “austerity” budget the government has announced will have profound economic, social and environmental impacts. In the coming weeks, we will be highlighting the impacts of these cuts and creating opportunities for our members to have their voices heard. Stay tuned.
In Solidarity,
Dru Jay, Executive Director
Gallery:
With thanks to various photographers across Turtle Island, including Gillian Walker, Mohammad Akbar , Courtney Morrison and Elaine Briere.
Media
CTV News Ottawa: “‘It started out as a climate rally, but we realized that we need to build a much larger coalition. So it’s about bringing in—people who are standing in solidarity with Palestine…people who are standing up for peace in the face of a potential quadrupling of military spending,’ said Dru Jay, the executive director of the Council of Canadians.”
Arnprior Today: “seasoned Climate activists were joined by curious- and perhaps now committed newcomers in Eganville last Saturday, as the Kitchissippi-Ottawa Valley Climate Matters group took part in National gatherings of those concerned over our deteriorating environment.”
Peterborough Examiner: “George Hewison, acting co-ordinator for the Kawartha-Highlands and Lakes chapter of the Council of Canadians, spoke vehemently against Ontario’s Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, and the federal Bill C-5.”
City News Calgary: “Another major demand calls on Canadian governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, and to ‘kick fossil fuel companies and their lobbyists out of politics.'”
CBC St. John’s: “‘Since Mr. Carney came into power, he’s really moved the Liberal Party more to the right and the agenda has become quite corporate,’ said Yvonne Earl, a spokesperson for the Avalon chapter of the Council of Canadians, who was at the event.”
NB News Now: “Susan Strong, a member with The Council of Canadians and SFC event organizer, said the rally will be focused on climate change following another summer of wildfires, smoke, excessive heat, and droughts in Canada.”
