Social movements across the world are struggling to contend with a wave of rightwing populism. In Canada, a neoliberal federal government is rapidly pushing forward legislation that erodes environmental protections and Indigenous sovereignty in the name of economic development, threatens to expel migrants, increases military spending, and reduces social spending, all while posturing as progressive in comparison to the far Right.
Numerous organizations across social justice movements have come together to coordinate the Draw the Line Day of Action, planned for 20 September, which proclaims: “We refuse to stand by while the government and Canada’s richest corporations hoard wealth, gut our public services, fuel climate collapse, attack migrants, exploit Indigenous lands, and prop up a genocide in Palestine.”
As Canada’s Parliament begins its fall session, Draw the Line will raise a call for a just and safe future for everyone. The convergence aims to bring together climate justice, economic justice, Indigenous, migrant rights and anti-war movements to speak out against austerity and for social programs; against colonialism and for Indigenous sovereignty; against xenophobia and for permanent status for all migrants in Canada; against militarism and for peace; and against fossil fuels and for a just transition to renewable energy.
Anishinaabe youth from Grassy Narrows will be coming to Toronto to join in a demonstration, and CPTers will be joining in support.
We ask your prayers for:
- The strengthening of relationships between justice movements;
- United action for people, for peace and for the planet;
- The unsettling of political narratives based on prejudice, self-interest, and dominance;
- The safety and wellbeing of communities resisting oppression;
- Collective imagination to move toward a better future.
The Draw the Line movement aligns with a global week of action for climate and economic justice. Find an action near you at https://drawtheline.world.
