TORONTO — Hundreds of protesters gathered at Sankofa Square in downtown Toronto on Saturday to voice their opposition to aspects of the new Liberal government's agenda under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The event, organized by a coalition of progressive civil society groups, highlighted concerns over Carney's support for new fossil fuel projects, anticipated cuts to public services, and issues related to Indigenous rights and antiwar activism.

The protest, dubbed the Draw The Line event, included speeches from notable figures such as environmentalist David Suzuki and Chrissy Isaacs, a member of the Grassy Narrows First Nation. Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, criticized Carney's administration for allegedly prioritizing the interests of billionaires while Canada faces a looming climate crisis. "We are here to say that whether it is climate, or economic justice, whether it’s Palestine or right here at home, we are facing a joint agenda and we will push back against it," Hussan stated.

Suzuki also expressed his discontent with Carney's approach, arguing that the focus on job creation should not overshadow the urgent need to address climate change. "He’s putting the economy above the atmosphere that gives us air to breathe, that gives us weather, climate, and the seasons. That’s crazy," Suzuki remarked. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the Earth, stating, "Indigenous people tell us all the time the Earth is our mother. She gives birth to us. She nurtures us. She has got to be our highest priority."

The protest was organized in response to the government's actions regarding Bill C-2, which pertains to immigration, and Bill C-5, which relates to major project legislation. This demonstration took place ahead of the federal government's budget announcement scheduled for November 4. Similar climate protests were also planned in other Canadian cities, including Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, as well as in various locations worldwide.