By Barry Weisleder
The issues were many on August 29: Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s attacks on health care, bicycle lanes, municipal authority; his Tory government’s failure to fix the affordable housing shortage, and to respond to deepening social problems with other than more cops and jails.
But in the forefront of concerns that brought about 150 people to the Ontario Legislature on the monthly pilgrimage was the demand for a reversal of cuts to public education. Many of the participants carried flags and placards linked to Catholic and Elementary Teachers’ federations, and CUPE Ontario. Students Against Austerity reinforced the message, calling for a restoration of Ontario Student Assistance Program funds and a reduction of escalating post-secondary tuition fees.
Socialist Action members met a warm reception for CCbF leaflets and stickers they distributed to promote a protest designed to “Confront Carney’s CEO Summit” on Monday, September 14. It starts with a rally at Toronto City Hall Square at 6 p.m., proceeding to the site of an exclusive gala for Carney’s billionaire buddies.
Once again, the SA banner “Dump Thug Ford with a General Strike” appeared to be, hands down, the most photographed material message at Queen’s Park on the occasion.
