Hundreds of people took to the streets in downtown Montreal on Friday afternoon as part of Earth Day to denounce the lack of political action dedicated to the protection of the environment.
“The planet is not a trash can”, insists a poster brandished by a mother in the crowd, who first gathered near the city hall, in Old Montreal, before starting a walk of more than an hour on several downtown arteries, including Saint-Laurent Street and René-Lévesque Boulevard.
Young people made up the majority of this crowd gathered at the initiative of several environmental groups who are calling in particular for an end to the extraction and use of fossil fuels. Many families also take part in this event, as well as a handful of politicians, including the co-spokesperson of Québec solidaire, Manon Massé, as well as the head of Climat Québec, Martine Ouellet.
Photo: Jacques Nadeau Le Devoir
The project for the third link between Quebec and Lévis and the Bay du Nord oil megaproject were denounced in particular by the demonstrators met by The dutywho deplore the fact that government authorities continue to prioritize economic development over environmental protection.
“One step forward, three steps back, it’s government policy,” chanted the demonstrators, while joining the talk to the gesture.
Shortly after 3 p.m., protesters gathered outside the Stock Exchange Tower, where speeches were made.
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