Unlike the gatherings of our nation’s presidential leaders at the G8/G20, the Shout out for Global Justice, put on by the Council of Canadians, was open to the public. People were invited to hear some of the world’s true leaders speak up and speak out on global issues. People of all races, genders, ages and classes filled Massey Hall and listened to guest speakers on issues of environmental deficits, social justice deficits, first nations and democratic deficits, media deficits and water as a human right deficit.
The shout out was in opposition of the G8/G20 traditions agenda, and ‘closed doors’ approach, with activist and President of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada Dave Coles stating we do not accept their agenda, a campaign lead by using fear.
Speakers included Clayton Thomas-Muller, an aboriginal activist and tar sands campaigner with the Indigenous Environmental Network, Dr. Vandana Shiva, founder of environmental justice organization Navadanya, Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, John Hilary, Executive Director of War on Want, RAW – Raging Asian Women- a diverse collective of East and South-East Asian female drummers promoting social justice while making music, Leo Gerard, the International President of the United Steelworkers, Pablo Solon, Bolivian ambassador to the United Nations, Naomi Klein, award winning journalist and author of bestsellers, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism and No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies and Maude Barlow, National Chairperson for the Council of Canadians.
As these influential leaders spoke to the crowd of over 2,000, the people cheered and booed corporations in disgust. They rose to their feet and shook their heads, as these leaders spoke out against corporations and called them out on the cruelty, oppression and exploitation of their decisions, the crowd would rise to their feet shouting SHAME.
As the presentations came to an end, thousands of active civilians gathered outside Massey Hall to march the streets of Toronto towards the protest Tent City being held in Allan Gardens.
Today activists and civilians of all ages will be meeting in Queens Park to join hands in the march of “People First” in the name of democracy.
“There shall be no peace without justice and no justice without peace.”
The Council of Canadians says the G20 is promoting a 'business as usual' agenda rather than what is needed, namely trade, climate and water justice. The Council will be on the ground in Toronto this June to challenge the G20.
OTTAWA – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement on the second anniversary of the residential schools apology made in the House of Commons:
“Two years ago today, history was made as Parliamentarians stood in the House of Commons and officially apologized for the historical wrongs that took place at residential schools across Canada. We in the Liberal Party are proud of the new chapter we have opened on healing and reconciliation in Canada.
“Despite this step forward, the current government still refuses to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, even though they made a promise in the Speech from the Throne to Aboriginal Canadians to recognize the rights of the world’s 370 million indigenous peoples.
“The Liberal Party stands firm in its commitment to endorsing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and in the belief that only when all Aboriginal peoples – whether First Nations, Métis or Inuit – can live and raise their families in healthy, safe communities and can fully share in the opportunities and dreams of their fellow Canadians, that Canada will have achieved justice and reconciliation among our people.”
