OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2012) - Occupy Toronto took its message to the heart of national political decision-making to "Stop Harper and Demand Real Democracy." The day Parliament reconvenes is also the one year anniversary of Occupy Wall Street. Occupy Toronto and supporters met at Confederation Park in Ottawa at 1:00 pm to march on Parliament Hill for a rally and a 'Peoples' Parliament.' Occupy Toronto was joined by Occupy participants who have been walking across the country from Victoria, B.C. since May 1st to express their discontent with the Harper regime.
"It was important for us to do something dramatic, given the dreadful policies that are passed on a regular basis. If Harper thought we hadn't noticed the Omnibus Budget Bill and the other bills he has quietly passed, we'll be there to let him know that we did and that we won't stand for it," said the walkers from Victoria.
The 452-page Omnibus Budget Legislation (Bill C-38) that was passed before parliament closed for the summer contained amendments to a staggering 70 pieces of legislation. Dramatic changes were made with regard to environmental regulations and monitoring, food inspection, health care funding, Employment Insurance, and Old Age Security. As well, tens of thousands of public sector jobs were slashed and various programs cut.
Before the 2012 budget was passed many were already expressing concerns about the 'Harper Government.' The election fraud, proroguing of Parliament, and disregard for research and statistics catalyzed several demonstrations, including by scientists and doctors. Since Stephen Harper was elected, his government has cut funding to arts and culture, eliminated numerous women's and Aboriginal programs, and attacked migrant workers and refugees. Destructive oil pipelines and mining projects have been approved, with complete disregard for the rights of Indigenous communities.
"Harper is changing the face of Canada, for the worse. He is making the country more conservative and authoritarian. The regime does not serve the people of Canada. It rules in the interest of business, at the expense of ordinary people. Many are sinking into poverty, while corporations make record profits. We have had enough of this. It is time to rise up," said Occupy activist Victoria Campbell.
Visit Occupy Toronto online at http://occupyto.org/ or follow us on Twitter at @OccupyToronto.