While protesters may have shown up to demand help for health, education and poverty, allegations of police brutality quickly became the issue of the day outside the Progressive Conservative leadership convention.
“The Tories may change leaders, but that doesn’t mean their legacy changes,” said Wayne Samuelson, head of the Ontario Federation of Labour.
On Friday, a symbolic squat of 60 people was held at the Mission Press building on Victoria Street to draw attention to Ontario’s crisis of homelessness.
About 200 police armed with teargas, pepper spray, tasers and batons were on hand to arrest nearly 40 people.
The heavy police presence continued Saturday at noon, where officers in riot gear checked all bags of those entering Allan Gardens to assemble for a march.
“The Charter of Human Rights gives us the right to assemble peacefully, ya know,” shouted one of the protesters.
One disabled protester who stepped off the sidewalk was pushed by a police officer who refused to give his number.
“We are losing our rights here, when cops can push us around for just standing in the street,” said Cheryl, the woman who was assaulted. About 300 police officers were at the rally on Saturday.
At the Convention Centre, protesters were greeted by more police officers, and 30 arrests took place on charges ranging from jaywalking to police assault.
“The Tories have clearly demonstrated that they will not be moved by reason, compassion or justice.
Only a strong, determined political movement will stop them and the broader neo-liberal project,” stated a member of the Canadian Auto Workers.
