Montrealers gathered in Place du Canada on Saturday to send a pro-democracy message, in what was dubbed a “No Tyrants” demonstration.
It was one of many rallies taking place across North America, including in Washington D.C., as part of the wider “No Kings” movement in the United States.
The mass mobilizations are to protest the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, in what Republican party leaders are calling “Hate America” rallies.
Dave Hamelin-Schuilenburg was born and raised in Montreal but holds dual Canadian-American citizenship. He’s chair of the Quebec chapter of Democrats Abroad — the group behind Saturday’s protest in Montreal.
Speaking to the crowd, Hamelin-Schuilenburg thanked them not only for showing up, but for “standing up.”
“Today isn’t just about gathering. It’s about showing that we care and that democracy still matters, that voices still matter, and that together we still matter,” he said.
His speech was punctuated with cheers as those listening waved signs with pro-democracy and anti-Trump slogans ranging from: “In science we trust,” to “Love Trumps Hate,” and “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Those taking part in the rally, like Cynthia Stewart, believe Trump is a threat to American democracy.
“Seeing what’s happening with ICE, dismantling of the rule of law, loading up immigrants willy-nilly and just putting people in wagons and hauling them off and disrupting the whole world to be honest,” she said.
While many in attendance are dual citizens, Kelly Lusignan is Canadian. She showed up to “protect what is left of democracy.”
She’s worried about the rhetoric and spillover from what is happening in the United States.
“They’re our neighbours directly to the south and everything they do affects us,” Lusignan said. “Their politics affect our politics.”
She added she’s also concerned by President Trump’s threats about Canada becoming the 51st state.
“It just boils my blood, because he doesn’t have any claim to us,” she said. “Hands off Canada.”
Hamelin-Schuilenburg echoed similar concerns about American politics and policies influencing decisions in Canada.
He pointed to the Strong Borders Act brought forward by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government. It proposes several changes to immigration policies in the country, including limiting asylum claims.
“We’re not supposed to be following the lead of the United States and splitting families apart,” he said. “We need to stand up to that.”
The proposed legislation also targets cross-border fentanyl trafficking, and comes following claims from Trump that Canada wasn’t doing enough to stop the flow of the drug from North to South.
In January, the U.S. president used that argument as grounds to declare a national emergency and impose tariffs on both Canada and Mexico — tariffs that also came in retaliation to claims of over-migration.
“We’re here because we’ve seen what happens when fear, hate, and greed take over leadership, and we’re saying not on our watch,” Hamelin-Schuilenburg said.
Montrealers rally in support of democracy and ‘No Kings’ movement
Catherine Pugnaire is part of the Raging Grannies, an advocacy group made up of older women that describes itself as promoting “peace, justice and respect for the earth through satirical song and humor.”
Dressed in shawls and flowered hats, the grannies performed one such musical number in Montreal, to the tune of Peter, Paul and Mary’s Puff the Magic Dragon.
Like others gathered to protest, Pugnaire said Canada and Quebec are not immune to what is happening in the United States.
“Canadians have to wake up and get it unified. We have a chance now,” she said.
Richard Sandbrook, a professor emeritus in political science at the University of Toronto said that while the protesters are getting their message out in the short term with these demonstrations, there’s also a longer-term impact.
“It does bring a sense of solidarity and a sense of efficacy of actually doing something to millions of Americans and persuades more passive supporters to actually join in,” he said.
