Thousands of Canadians took to the streets Saturday in a wave of protests aimed at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s agenda, challenging his government’s support for new fossil fuel projects, looming public service cuts, and immigration policy changes. The “Draw the Line” demonstrations, held in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver, brought together environmentalists, labour leaders, migrant rights advocates, and ordinary citizens concerned about climate change, affordability, and social justice.
In Toronto, protesters marched from downtown to Queen’s Park, holding placards demanding Indigenous rights, full immigration status for all, an end to trade with Israel, and economic equality. Some demonstrators carried provocative signs referencing Luigi Mangione, accused in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Speakers included environmental icon David Suzuki, who blasted Carney for prioritizing jobs over climate action. “He’s putting the economy above the atmosphere that gives us air to breathe. That’s crazy,” Suzuki said, urging Canadians to make the protection of the planet a national priority. Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, accused the government of “enriching billionaires” while ignoring the needs of vulnerable communities.
The protests come just weeks before the federal budget is tabled on Nov. 4. Carney has repealed the consumer carbon tax and paused the Liberals’ electric vehicle mandate, raising doubts about whether Canada will meet its 2030 emissions reduction targets. While the government insists it remains committed to net-zero by 2050, Canada’s emissions are currently only 8.5 per cent below 2005 levels — far from the 40 to 45 per cent target.
Demonstrations across the country also focused on immigration policy after Carney announced plans to reduce the number of non-permanent residents to below five per cent of Canada’s population. Union leaders such as CUPE National President Mark Hancock warned against scapegoating migrant workers, arguing they are not responsible for soaring housing costs and inflation.
In Vancouver, protesters decried federal support for liquefied natural gas expansion projects, warning they could harm groundwater and delay investment in renewable energy. “The LNG is a boondoggle,” said protester Robert Hornsey. “What you need to do is invest in wind, solar, tidal, and thermal energy.”
The message from coast to coast was clear: Canadians are demanding urgent climate action, fairer economic policies, and meaningful investments in renewable energy and social programs — and they are willing to take to the streets to be heard.