Thousands of people marched in the streets of Montreal on Friday to demand an accelerated environmental transition. “There are still too many people who ignore the emergency in their ivory tower,” said one demonstrator.
“It feels good to remember that we are not alone in worrying about the planet,” confided Bella Sidoti, scanning the crowd gathered at the foot of the monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier at the start of the demonstration, Friday evening. “It gives hope in such uncertain times,” added her friend, Kamryn McCallum.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
From 6:30 p.m., thousands of people of all ages invaded Avenue du Parc
The demonstration, organized by several activist groups, aimed to demand the implementation of concrete actions in favor of the environmental transition. “We think that the government is not doing enough for the situation to improve and for us to have hope,” commented Jocelyne Alarie, member of Mères au front, one of the groups organizing the demonstration.
From 6:30 p.m., demonstrators of all ages invaded Avenue du Parc, to the rhythm of drums and dancing music emanating from loudspeakers. To shine in the darkness, many demonstrators were adorned with light garlands, while others raised fluorescent letters above their heads. “Fed up,” they spelled.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Many demonstrators were adorned with fairy lights, while others raised fluorescent letters above their heads
On the fringes of the crowd, Alexandre Séguin and his children encouraged the demonstrators who passed in front of them on Avenue du Parc. “We have little things underway to help the climate, but they are not at all going at the speed that they should be going,” lamented the father.
In fewer numbers
On this date in 2019, nearly half a million demonstrators took to the streets of Montreal alongside Greta Thunberg to demonstrate for the climate. Although several thousand people participated in Friday’s demonstration, some believe that greater mobilization is necessary.
Everyone needs to join us. The people who took the trouble to come are a tiny part of all those who believe that something must be done.
Jocelyne Alarie, member of Mothers at the Front
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Jocelyne Alarie wants the government to accelerate the environmental transition
“We thought there would be more people,” said Mireille de Keizer, looking at the crowd around her. “We are grannies, we have grandchildren,” she added. It’s for them that we are here. »
The reasons for demonstrating are numerous, however, according to the retiree’s friend, Sylvette Muller. “I would like things to go better for our children, here as in Palestine and Ukraine,” she said. Protesting is my only way to make myself heard, as a citizen. »
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Mireille de Keizer and Sylvette Muller demonstrated for their grandchildren on Friday
Other climate rallies took place across the province on Friday, including in Quebec, Sherbrooke and Joliette.