Thousands March in Kingston for Climate and Social Justice

On Sunday, thousands of individuals across more than 70 communities in Canada participated in a national day of action, culminating in a vibrant parade through Kingston. The event featured a diverse coalition of protesters who marched from Victoria Park to McBurney Park, advocating for pressing social and environmental issues such as climate change, Indigenous rights, and migrant rights.

Participants engaged in various forms of movement, including walking, biking, and even using stilts, while showcasing elaborate costumes, large puppets, and striking banners. The lively atmosphere was amplified by music, chants, and drumming, capturing the energy of the crowd. Once the procession reached McBurney Park, numerous speakers took to the microphone to share their messages and personal stories.

Chris Gusen, a media representative for 350 Canada, highlighted the strategic timing of the event, coinciding with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming fall budget. Referring to the organization’s name, which signifies 350 parts per million—the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere—Gusen stated, “We reject the Carney agenda and demand that the Canadian government prioritize our communities over billionaires.” He urged the government to choose between perpetuating injustices and fostering a sustainable future.

Monica Garvie, an Anishabe woman from Treaty Nine Territory in Northern Ontario, was one of the first speakers. Currently completing her PhD at Queen’s University, she is examining the impacts of colonial resource extraction on her homeland. Garvie passionately addressed the contamination of natural resources, particularly water, due to mining and other industrial activities that have persisted since the 1930s. She expressed concern over the implications of Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, which she fears could exacerbate existing harms to her land.

“I draw the line at destruction and poisoning of life,” Garvie declared to the supportive audience. “I draw the line at Bill 5, which will fast track mining developments of the Ring of Fire and intensify the damage already done.” Her call for accountability resonated deeply with the crowd, emphasizing the urgency of recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice.

The event continued with Yu Jeir Kou of the Migrant Rights Network, who discussed Bill C-2, which concerns border security measures between Canada and the United States. Kou critiqued the government’s stance, suggesting that the bill could undermine the rights of asylum seekers. “This bill is not about upholding safety. It’s about limiting the right to seek asylum, a right that Canada has long upheld,” Kou noted, stressing the importance of recognizing refugees as integral members of the community.

Dr. Henry Swoboda, an emergency room doctor affiliated with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, drew parallels between healthcare and the climate crisis. He criticized the reactive nature of societal responses to both medical and environmental challenges. “We ignore root causes, we delay, we minimize, and when disasters strike, we scramble with half measures that cannot cure what’s already gone too far,” Swoboda observed. He underscored the need for proactive measures that prioritize health and sustainability rather than corporate interests.

Michelle Schwarz from Feed the People also addressed the crowd, shedding light on the alarming rise of food insecurity in the region. “In 2023, one in three families did not have enough money for food,” she reported. Schwarz detailed how her organization has provided over 25,000 meals in Belle Park over the past year, all without government funding, relying solely on the generosity of donors.

The day’s events encapsulated a powerful collective voice advocating for urgent change. As protesters raised their banners and chants echoed through Kingston, they emphasized the importance of community solidarity in confronting systemic challenges. The commitment to social and environmental justice resonated strongly, inspiring participants and onlookers alike to consider the implications of current policies and the need for a more equitable future.