Based on coverage from CTV, SN Newswatch, Oakville News, and DrawTheLine.world.
Protests are sweeping across Canada, from Ottawa to Thunder Bay, as activists unite under the banner of the "Draw the Line" movement. This nationwide demonstration, scheduled for September 20, 2025, is a collective outcry against the policies of Prime Minister Mark Carney's government. At the heart of the protests is a demand for the government to prioritize human rights and environmental sustainability over austerity measures and corporate interests.
In Ottawa, the epicenter of the movement, protesters from various justice groups have gathered on Wellington Street, right outside the Prime Minister's Office. The scene is vibrant, with drummers leading the march and a plan to paint a mural that reads "people, peace, planet, not profit." This artistic expression is more than just a slogan; it encapsulates the protesters' vision for a future where human and environmental needs take precedence over economic gain.
The timing of these protests is no accident. They coincide with the new Parliamentary session and precede the fall budget, a strategic move to influence government policy. Organizers are voicing their opposition to planned cuts in the federal public service, the shelving of the Digital Services Tax, and controversial bills like C-2 and C-5. Additionally, there's a strong call for Canada to reconsider its military support for Israel, especially in light of recent UN findings labeling the situation in Gaza as genocide.
The demands of the "Draw the Line" movement are broad yet interconnected. They include increasing taxes on the ultra-rich, ending corporate subsidies—particularly for fossil fuels—and upholding Indigenous rights and sovereignty. There's also a push for a two-way arms embargo on Israel, cancelling planned military spending increases, and granting permanent resident status to all migrants.
Thunder Bay is one of over 50 cities participating in this national day of action. Local groups like Citizens United for a Sustainable Planet and Poverty Free Thunder Bay are rallying outside MP Patty Hajdu's office, emphasizing the local impact of national policies. Hajdu, however, maintains that the government's approach is pragmatic and focused on Canada's security and economic prosperity.
The protests are not just a critique of government policies but a call for systemic change. Peter Appleton, an environmentalist and organizer for the Hamilton rally, describes the movement as a "very broad coalition" addressing issues from climate change to social justice. Appleton emphasizes that these issues are interconnected, affecting communities across Canada, including his own in Dundas.
The "Draw the Line" movement is supported by a diverse array of organizations, from climate action groups to labour unions. This coalition underscores the widespread discontent with the current political direction and the desire for a more equitable and sustainable future.
As the protests unfold, they serve as a reminder of the power of collective action. The message is clear: Canadians are drawing the line against policies they believe threaten their rights, their environment, and their future. Whether these demonstrations will lead to tangible policy changes remains to be seen, but they have certainly sparked a national conversation about the kind of Canada people want to build.
