Residents of Montreal gathered at Place du Canada over the weekend to participate in a demonstration advocating for democracy, known as the “No Tyrants” rally.
This event was part of a series of protests happening throughout North America, including in Washington D.C., under the umbrella of the broader “No Kings” movement in the United States.
These gatherings aim to voice opposition to the current trajectory of the nation under the leadership of President Donald Trump, which has been labeled as “Hate America” rallies by Republican officials.
One of the speakers at the Montreal protest was Dave Hamelin-Schuilenburg, who, despite being a native of Montreal, holds citizenship in both Canada and the United States. He serves as the chair of the Quebec branch of Democrats Abroad, the organization behind the demonstration.
In his address to the attendees, Hamelin-Schuilenburg expressed gratitude for their presence and emphasized the importance of taking a stand for democracy.
“Today is more than just a gathering; it is a demonstration of our commitment to the values of democracy and the significance of our voices and unity,” he stated.
His speech received enthusiastic responses from the audience, who waved placards bearing messages supporting democracy and denouncing Trump, such as: “In science we trust,” “Love Trumps Hate,” and “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Participants like Cynthia Stewart voiced their concerns, believing that Trump poses a significant threat to the democratic principles of the United States.
“The actions taken by ICE, erosion of legal frameworks, indiscriminate treatment of immigrants, and the disruptive consequences are alarming,” Stewart remarked.
Impact of U.S. Politics on Canada
While many attendees held dual citizenship, Kelly Lusignan, a Canadian citizen, attended the rally to safeguard democratic values.
Lusignan expressed concerns about the impact of U.S. political rhetoric and activities on Canada.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of the two nations, she stated, “Their decisions affect us directly, and their political landscape influences ours.”
She also criticized Trump’s remarks suggesting Canada’s potential annexation as the 51st state, firmly rejecting any such idea.
Hamelin-Schuilenburg echoed these apprehensions about the influence of U.S. policies on Canadian decision-making processes.
He referenced the Strong Borders Act proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, which seeks to amend immigration regulations, including restrictions on asylum applications.
“We should not emulate the U.S. approach, which involves separating families. We must oppose such measures,” he emphasized.
The proposed legislation also addresses the issue of cross-border fentanyl trafficking, following allegations from Trump regarding Canada’s inadequate efforts to prevent drug flow southward.
In response to these accusations, the U.S. president declared a national emergency in January and imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing concerns about excessive migration.
“Our presence here signifies our rejection of leadership driven by fear, hate, and greed, and reaffirms our commitment to a better future,” Hamelin-Schuilenburg declared.