My last blog entry was about sleeping in tents in the Canadian wilderness, this one is of tents in the middle of Montreal’s financial district. Yesterday I went to the heart of the Occupy Montreal movement which is taking place in the recently dubbed “la Place du Peuple”, otherwise known as Victoria Square.
A large demonstration of 2,000 people, inspired by Occupy Wall Street, initiated the seizing of public spaces when they protested their discontent on October 15th. Some stayed and have since pitched tents, and even a Mongolian yurt, in the Square. The occupants are sending out the message that they are part of the 99 percent who have been hurt by the economic and political climate since the recession. Together, they will not allow the one percent who benefit continue guide the economic agenda. They are occupying the space non-violently. When I visited yesterday afternoon, I did not feel intimidated or notice any police. In fact, the Montreal authorities installed porta-potties for the demonstrators. The message of the demonstrators strikes me as being multifarious. I met anarchists, environmentalists and saw an Innu sculptor- all of whom had varying goals, but stood united in their desire for change.
The newly created community appeared organized and self-sufficient. There are daily meetings with the general assembly, seminars, a bulletin board to show activities, a library, hospital, kitchen, dish washing station, a clothing and goods exchange and even a “grotte” (cave) for discussions.
Renowned people such as David Suzuki and Maude Barlow have been to the site in its early stages to show their support.
Today, it is 9 degrees Celsius in Montreal. I am curious as to how much longer this occupation will last and whether it will bring greater coherence to the message of the demonstrators.
