Montrealers gathered at Place du Canada on Saturday to send a pro-democracy message, in what was called a “No to Tyrants” rally.
It was one of many demonstrations that took place across North America, including Washington DC, as part of the broader “No Kings” movement in the United States.
The mass demonstrations are to protest the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, in what Republican Party leaders call “Hate America” rallies.
Dave Hamelin-Schuilenburg was born and raised in Montreal, but holds dual Canadian-American citizenship. He is president of the Quebec chapter of Democrats Abroad, the group behind Saturday’s protest in Montreal.
Addressing the crowd, Hamelin-Schuilenburg thanked them not only for showing up, but also for “standing up.”
“Today is not just about coming together. It’s about showing that we care and that democracy still matters, that voices still matter and that together we still matter,” he said.
His speech was punctuated by cheers as listeners waved signs with pro-democracy and anti-Trump slogans ranging from: “In science we trust” to “Love Trump, hate Trump” and “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Those who participated in the rally, like Cynthia Stewart, believe that Trump is a threat to American democracy.
“To be honest, seeing what’s happening with ICE, the dismantling of the rule of law, loading immigrants willy-nilly and just putting people in boxcars and taking them out and disrupting the entire world,” she said.
Collateral effects of US policy worry Canada
While many of the attendees have dual citizenship, Kelly Lusignan is Canadian. She appeared to “protect what remains of democracy.”
He is concerned about the rhetoric and consequences of what is happening in the United States.
“They are our neighbors directly to the south and everything they do affects us,” Lusignan said. “Their policies affect our politics.”
He added that he is also concerned about President Trump’s threats to have Canada become the 51st state.
“It makes my blood boil because he has no right over us,” she said. “Hands off Canada.”
Hamelin-Schuilenburg echoed similar concerns about American politics and policies influencing decisions in Canada.
He pointed to the Strong Borders Act introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government. It proposes several changes to immigration policies in the country, including limiting asylum applications.
“We’re not supposed to follow America’s example and divide families,” he said. “We need to address that.”
The proposed legislation also targets cross-border fentanyl trafficking and comes after Trump’s claims that Canada was not doing enough to stop the flow of the drug from North to South.
In January, the president of the United States used that argument as a basis for declaring a national emergency and imposing tariffs on both Canada and Mexico, tariffs that also came in retaliation for accusations of overmigration.
“We are here because we have seen what happens when fear, hate and greed take over leadership, and we say no on our watch,” Hamelin-Schuilenburg said.
Montrealers gathered at Place du Canada on Saturday to send a pro-democracy message, in what was called a “No to Tyrants” rally. It was one of thousands of protests that took place as part of the ‘No Kings’ movement criticizing US President Donald Trump.
Catherine Pugnaire is part of Raging Grannies, an advocacy group made up of older women that describes itself as promoting “peace, justice and respect for the land through satirical songs and humor.”
Dressed in shawls and flower hats, the grandmothers performed one of those musical numbers in Montreal, to the tune of Peter, Paul and Mary’s. Puff the Magic Dragon.
Like others gathered to protest, Pugnaire said Canada and Quebec are not immune to what is happening in the United States.
“Canadians have to wake up and unify. Now we have a chance,” he said.
Richard Sandbrook, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, said that while protesters are getting their message across in the short term with these demonstrations, there is also a long-term impact.
“It brings a sense of solidarity and a sense of do-something efficacy to millions of Americans and persuades more passive supporters to join,” he said.
