Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat – In early November, 2022, the provincial government announced Bill 23 (“More Homes Built Faster Act”), the rollback of forward-thinking municipal plans in Halton and Hamilton, and the removal of 7,400 acres of protected land from the Greenbelt to build sprawl.
Public opposition to these attacks on Ontario’s environment is surging. Following the revelations by Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner, and those of the Auditor General earlier this month, activists across the province began organizing another round of rallies to emphasize the urgency for protecting Ontario’s forests, farms and wetlands.
Local Activists will hold a rally during Ford Fest on Friday, September 8th to loudly voice opposition to removals of land from the Greenbelt and other issues. More rallies in the province will take place in the days following this action, with a full list below. Interviews can be arranged with local activists upon request.
WHAT: A series of “Hands Off The Greenbelt” rallies across the province, including the Premier’s Ford Fest in Kitchener, Queen’s Park in Toronto and MPP Christine Hogarth’s Office in Etobicoke. New events are being registered every day.
WHERE: A map of all events, with additional information about each event, is available here: https://environmentaldefence.
WHEN: September 8th-23rd. Exact times and dates vary by location.
Friday, Sept. 8th
Kitchener – 425 Bingemans Centre Drive – 4:00 PM
Greenbelt Rally: Unions, teachers, nurses, political parties, health coalitions and environmental groups will be there.
Saturday, Sept. 9th
Etobicoke – MPP Christine Hogarth’s Office – 2:00-3:00 PM
Tuesday, Sept. 12th
Barrie – Grace United Church – 7:00-8:30 PM
Featuring special guest speakers: David Crombie, former mayor of Toronto and former chair of Greenbelt Council; Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence Canada; Margaret Prophet, SCGC; Franz Hartman, Alliance for a Liveable Ontario.
Thursday, Sept. 14th
Ancaster – Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre – 5:30-8:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 16th
Toronto – Queen’s Park – 11:00 AM
This rally is part of a globally coordinated action to demand that governments end fossil fuels – fast, fair, and forever.
Sunday, Sept. 17th
Newmarket – Intersection Yonge and Mulock – 11:00 AM – 1:00pm
Marching to MPP Gallagher Murphy’s office to deliver letters and petition for government to take better action to stop climate change.
Saturday, Sept. 23rd
Richmond Hill – Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park – 1:00-3:00 PM
Facebook Event Page: https://fb.me/e/L9BVmIlb
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Daniella Zanchi, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
