The protesters flooded several blocks in the center of Montreal on Saturday, singing “Shame on You” on the threshold of the Consulate of the United States.
It was one of more than a dozen demonstrations in Quebec to mark International Women’s Day and condemned the attacks of US governments on women’s rights and sovereignty in Canada.
In Montreal, many carried red, symbolically and blood and love. Some of these inscriptions depicting Canadian maple newspaper.
A few wore dresses reminiscent of the story of a maid, a dystopian novel in which women were conquered by the ruling regime.
Others wore signs comparing US President Donald Trump’s administration with that Nazi Germany.
The protesters locked their hands as eight minutes of silence was observed.
In a message addressed to Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Trump Ally Elon Musk, the organizer of Protest Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette denied the US administration.
“You’re not kings. We’re not maid,” she said.
Sharing a stage from Barbeau-Lavalette, a colleague organizer at Mères au Front, Laura Wartidel, aimed at the return of the US government on reproductive rights and treating the country’s neighbors.
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“You are ashamed of your treatment with women,” she said, referring to the fact that the Supreme Court had abolished the constitutional right to abortion in 2022.
“Shame on you for your betrayal of your friends and allies,” Waridel added, accusing Trump’s administration of the “side side with killers and despots” and undercover democracy.
“You can try to intimidate us with us trade wars, (but) we will never become your 51St. The state, “she said, invited Canadians to resist the rise of American authoritarianism of the far right and boycott American products.
Otherwise, protesters showed in front of the US consulates in Quebec, as well as the US Embassy in Ottawa. The protests were also held in Sherbrooke, Joliette, Victoriaville and Saguenay, Que.
Jill Oviatt born in America was one of the protesters who fed a frigid temperature in Montreal. Wearing a Canadian Toque, she said she felt the need to go to the streets and advocate for her adopted country.
“I want to protect Canada, not just to protect the United States … from what is obviously attracting power trying to take over this wonderful, beautiful country,” she said, holding a sign called Donald Trump and Elon Musk Fascists and compared them with ticks.
“I am here today because there is an attack on women, there is an attack on minorities, there is an attack on people who are not billions,” Oviatt said.
Wearing Pissyhat, Caroline Plaat pointed to a sign that he holds to describe which message wants to send: “That Yeula Trump,” reads in French, which means “silent, Trump.”
Plaat said she was motivated to go out and be, among others who want to resist what Trump’s administration represents.
“I never felt more threatened. All our freedoms are now threatened, especially for women, but (also) for the LGBTQ community,” she said.
Ever since he returned to his duties, Trump has signed many executive orders that target the transgender community, including a ban on transgender athletes participating in girls and women’s sports.
“I really want to feel that I’m not alone,” Plaat said. “A lot of people like me still believe in peace and love.”
This report of Canadian Press was first published on March 8, 2025.
& copy 2025. Canadian printing
