Summer might be over, but our advocacy efforts never cease!
After focusing on halting the deep sea mining industry and championing for a Global Plastics Treaty these past few months, we decided to join forces with various organizations and allies to demand that our leaders put people over profit, uphold Indigenous sovereignty, grant full immigration status for all, and put an end to the war machine and the fossil fuel era. With parliament returning for its fall sitting, Carney announcing his (emissions-heavy) national projects, and world leaders convening at the UN General Assembly, we knew it was the right time to remind our government what their priorities should be.
In Canada alone, the Draw The Line global day of action joined together more than 300 organizations and groups in 70+ cities fighting for climate justice, migrant justice, Indigenous justice, labour rights, anti-war, and Palestinian solidarity. These coordinated actions were historic not only because of their scale, but also because they were planned by groups from diverse sectors. Greenpeace Canada was proud to be among the organizations that helped spearhead this event, alongside a coalition of impressive groups, including 350 Canada, Climate Action Network Canada, Indigenous Climate Action, Migrant Rights Network, World Beyond War Canada, and many others.
To give you an insight into how the day unfolded, I’ll pass the torch over to my colleagues who were on the ground, in Montreal, Kingston, Toronto, and Vancouver, for this historic event.
Montréal
“I was grateful to attend the Draw The Line gathering in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal. Together, we painted a colourful ground mural outlining three powerful words: paix, planète, communauté [peace, planet, community]. That’s what it’s all about, right? Organizations present were sharing more about their work and how you could get involved in those three pillars for a more just, inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. My heart is filled with hope again – I always find it so powerful when people come together for a better world.” – Sien Van den broeke, Campaigner.
Kingston
“Draw the Line was the first rally I participated in as a new staff member of Greenpeace. I don’t live in a major city and attended the march in Kingston, Ontario, unsure of what to expect. I was blown away by the turn out! From young children accompanying their parents, to students of all ages, and a significant delegation of local “Seniors for Climate” volunteers, I was filled with pride to join with my greater activist community in such strength. The joy of coming together, the creativity of signs, costumes, and chants, the spirit of strangers connecting with each other, and the supportive cheers and honks from onlookers put wind in all of our sails to continue this important work, and reinforced my belief that our collective voice is strong and makes a difference. Our work is hard and it can feel overwhelming. Moments and events like these are so crucial for our community to power us to keep going. I can’t wait for the next one!” – Jennifer Brown, Head of Communications.
Toronto
“I’m really glad I attended the Draw the Line rally in Toronto. It was cathartic. September is a busy time of year for me; my kids started a new school year, and our family’s routines shift from summer to fall activities. It would have been easy to miss it, but the rally’s multi-movement focus inspired me to show up. We live in an intersectional world, and the challenges we face are connected. So are the solutions! Being there with people from different walks of life, peacefully coming together to advocate for a just, sustainable future, gave me hope. Hope that more of us care about each other and the planet over profit and division.” – Jackie Gallagher, Director of GCEF & Senior Lead on Institutional Giving
“It’s been a few years since we organized a climate march, so I was really excited to take part and help with the Greenpeace contingent. What made this protest even more powerful was that it wasn’t only about climate. It highlighted interconnected struggles like the peace movement, climate justice, migrant justice, and Indigenous sovereignty. For me, it was also a meaningful chance to organize alongside our volunteers and connect with our supporters who joined the rally.” – Rommel Bellosillo, Data Administrator
Vancouver
“Standing in the heart of downtown Vancouver, surrounded by drums, chants, and a sea of flags, I felt the power of collective resistance. I joined thousands calling for an arms embargo on Israel, rejecting Mark Carney’s push for new fossil fuel projects, and standing against the federal government’s anti-immigrant Bill C-2. These struggles are not separate. The same forces that profit from war also profit from fossil fuels and from scapegoating migrants. Social justice, climate justice, Indigenous justice, migrant justice, and justice for people everywhere, from Palestine to right here, are inseparable. In the streets today, we made it clear: enough is enough.” – Yossi Cadan, Interim Managing Director
This day of action occurred against the backdrop of our current government’s efforts to pass the Strong Borders Act — a problematic, Trump-like, bill that would lead to more racial profiling, mass surveillance and militarized borders. Carney promised us an ‘Elbows Up’ approach that would combat Trump’s tactics, but instead, has been stealing moves from his playbook.
On September 20th, we drew the line for People. For Peace. For the Planet. And it’s only the beginning. We will not be silenced while our leaders continue to serve the ultra-wealthy, fund wars and genocides, fuel climate change and violate human rights. This is our moment to shape the world we want to live in.
You can add your name to help stop Bill C-2 from passing. To find out more about this bill and other ways to take action, read this blog written by my colleague, Jessica da Silva.
