Thousands gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Saturday morning to protest against Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government. The demonstration, organized by the “Draw the Line” movement, focused on issues such as human rights, climate change, and proposed cuts to the public service.

Ottawa police reported that two individuals were arrested for mischief during the event. The protest also highlighted various other causes, including migrant justice, Palestinian rights, and labor rights. Similar protests took place in cities across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Charlottetown.

Protesters in Ottawa began their march in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, proceeding down Wellington Street and turning onto MacKenzie Avenue. They joined a contingent from Gatineau that had started at Maison du Citoyen. The large group continued to the United States Embassy on Sussex Drive before concluding at the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument near city hall.

Many participants wore keffiyehs, a scarf associated with Palestinian nationalism, and carried signs urging the Canadian government to divest from fossil fuels and impose an arms embargo against Israel. The crowd chanted pro-Palestinian and anti-fossil fuel slogans, while Indigenous members of the Ottawa River Singers performed songs and drumming at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Aseel Qazzaz, vice-president external of CUPE local 4600 at Carleton University, stated, "Today’s march is a cross-country day of action. Many communities are rising today to resist Prime Minister Carney. We are resisting Prime Minister Mark Carney’s anti-migrant, anti-Indigenous, fossil fuel-driven policy."

Elder Albert Dumont of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg addressed the crowd, warning about the degradation of water systems across Canada. He said, "We are living in a world where the water is dying. It’s under attack by industries, by corporations. It’s under attack by millionaires who want to become billionaires and billionaires who want to become trillionaires."

Tensions escalated when a group of protesters attempted to paint a mural on Wellington Street in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. Dara Wawatie-Chabot, a land and water defender from Kitigan Zibi and Barrière Lake Québec, described the mural as a visual representation of the protesters’ demands. "This mural shows what we’re fighting for. It’s not just a protest — it’s a vision of the future we want: one rooted in care, solidarity, and justice," she said.

The Ottawa Police Service announced on social media that two individuals were arrested for mischief and that Wellington Street was temporarily closed to remove the paint. They reminded the public that threats of violence or property destruction are not protected under the Charter.

The protest coincided with the recent reconvening of the House of Commons and precedes the fall budget, which is expected on November 4. Key demands from the protesters include upholding Indigenous sovereignty, increasing taxes on the wealthy, granting full immigration status to migrant workers, and halting investments in war and fossil fuel infrastructure.

Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), expressed concern over the planned cuts to the public service, stating they could be the largest in Canadian history. He warned, "That’s not just cuts to jobs; it’s cuts to programs that Canadians rely on."

Prier recalled the impact of similar cuts in the 1990s, saying, "We can’t let that happen again." He emphasized that the cuts would disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including Indigenous and immigrant communities. Prier urged Carney to honor election promises to maintain the public service instead of implementing cuts during ongoing budget discussions.