On the doorstep of the United States Consulate, protesters chanted “shame on you” as they flooded several blocks of downtown Montreal on Saturday. It was one of more than a dozen demonstrations that took place throughout Quebec to commemorate International Women’s Day and to criticize the American government’s violations of women’s rights and Canada’s sovereignty. Red was worn by many people in Montreal as a sign of love and blood. Some of them carried signs with the Canadian maple leaf on them. The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel in which women are subjugated by the governing regime, inspired some to wear robes. Others wore signs that compared the U.S. the administration of President Donald Trump to that of Nazi Germany. During the eight minutes of silence, protesters joined hands. Anas Barbeau-Lavalette, the organizer of the protest, decried the United States government in a message to Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Trump ally Elon Musk. “You are not monarchs. She stated, “We are not maidservants.” Laure Waridel, a co-organizer at Mères au Front, took aim at the U.S. government’s rollback on women’s reproductive rights and treatment of the country’s neighbors while sharing the stage with Barbeau-Lavalette. She said, referring to the United States, “Shout out to you for how you treat women.” In 2022, the Supreme Court will overturn the constitutional right to abortion. Waridel went on to say, “Shame on you for your betrayal of your friends and allies.” He also said that the Trump administration was “siding with murderers and despots” and was hurting democracy. She stated, “You can try to intimidate us with us with trade wars, (but) we’ll never become your 51st state,” urging Canadians to oppose the rise of far-right authoritarianism in the United States and to boycott American goods. Protesters also demonstrated in front of the United States consulates in Quebec City and the United States. Embassy located in Ottawa Sherbrooke, Joliette, Victoriaville, and Saguenay, Quebec, also saw protests. Jill Oviatt, a protester from the United States, braved the cold in Montreal. She stated that she felt compelled to take to the streets and advocate for her adopted country while donning a Canada toque. Caroline Plaat, wearing a pussyhat, said, “I want to protect Canada, not just protect the United States… from what is clearly a power grab in trying to take over this wonderful, beautiful country.” She was holding a sign that called Donald Trump and Elon Musk fascists and compared them to ticks. “Ta yeule Trump,” which means “shut up, Trump,” was written in French. Plaat stated that she was inspired to come out and join others who want to oppose the Trump administration. I’ve never been more afraid. She stated, “All of our liberties are under threat right now, especially for women and the LGBTQ community.” A number of executive orders aimed at the transgender community have been signed by Trump since his return to power, one of which prohibits transgender athletes from participating in girl’s and women’s sports. Plaat stated, “I really want to feel like I’m not alone.” “There are a lot of people who still believe in love and peace,” I said.
Montrealers denounce Donald Trump for ‘betrayal’ of U.S. friends, allies
