Bloor St. Manif

by Crystal Skinner

From the first scurry of red squares into Dufferin Grove, Montreal’s spirit was felt in Toronto.  As the park filled it became evident; Quebec’s struggle is our struggle.  We are united.

Yesterday, I joined Toronto – pot and wooden spoon in hand – to participate in Casseroles Night in Canada.  I donned my red apparel and arrived at Dufferin Grove, where a camera crew asked: “Why Toronto?  Why participate?”

I thought of all the connections:

Ontario suffers the highest tuition rates in the country. Canadians, deserve affordable accessible education. A threat to freedom of speech and the right to assembly is a threat to us all.

But, as the sun set over our march, on Bloor St., I glanced back over the crowd of thousands and my answer was simple – I march because I am inspired.

Montreal has shown us it is possible.

In the last glimmer of sunlight, I watched the students hand out flyers while I reading the messages carried overhead.  There were Occupy banners, signs rejecting Bill 78, posters against C-38, flags in support of railway workers.  We are a crucible of intersecting movements.

What began as student strike against tuition hikes is transitioning into a united fight for social economic justice and a struggle against austerity.

In theatre, we often explore what it means to be human and what it means to be Canadian.   For me compassion, equality and being a citizen are at the route of both.  We have an opportunity to fight for fairness and democracy.

This is the beginning.

Crystal Skinner is a CAEA stage manager, arts activist and rabble rouser. She is currently in her fourth season with The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, as assistant stage manager, on Much Ado About Nothing.

Every evening at 8pm in Montreal, and recently in other parts of the province, Quebecers gather to bang pots and pans in support of the student movement and against Bill 78, which limits the right to freedom of assembly and association as protected in the Charter.

The new potentially illegal law has attracted international attention with The New York Times and The Guardian condemning the measures.

Casseroles oriented protests appear ready to spread to Toronto on Sunday.

Musique/music:
INTUITION #1 – Avec pas d’casque
© Grosse Boîte
Bandcamp: avecpasdcasque.bandcamp.com/album/astronomie