March through central Toronto
On 14 September, hundreds of activists marched through central Toronto as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Canada Investment Summit was taking place. Local journalists estimated that around 300 people took part in the march itself.
The action united representatives of trade unions, Indigenous peoples, environmental organisations, migrant-rights movements, defenders of public services and anti-war activists.
Participants gathered at Nathan Phillips Square before marching toward the venue of the official event.
Against the expansion of arms production
The Canadian government presented potential investors with more than 160 projects in energy, mining, technology and infrastructure. Around 300 executives from major companies and investment organisations attended the summit.
Organisers said that some of the proposed projects were connected with expanding arms production, oil and gas infrastructure and transferring public assets into private control.
Anti-war activists drew particular attention to plans to increase defence spending. They argued that public money should be used to create secure jobs, develop social infrastructure and address environmental problems rather than expand arms production.
Three days of public events
The march concluded the three-day programme The Many vs. The Money. It was organised by the Council of Canadians, 8th Fire Rising and World BEYOND War Canada.
The programme included public discussions, educational meetings, practical workshops and cultural events. Workers, Indigenous peoples, tenants and representatives of environmental, migrant-rights and peace organisations took part.
Different public movements unite
A defining feature of the action was the alliance of organisations working in different fields. Environmental activists spoke about the consequences of expanding extractive industries, trade unions focused on protecting jobs and public services, and peace movements called for moving away from an economy dependent on weapons production.
Participants called for a model of development in which investment decisions reflect the public interest, environmental protection and the preservation of peace.