One American student’s perspective at a labour march in Toronto
Meandering around mobilised, enlivened movements and unions, I soak up raw people power as my skin bathes in the gleaming sun. This moment represents my first big inhalation of Canadian politics since moving here as a curious liberal Democrat. I make out colour-coded blocks by their spirit and stature. Zealous organisers offer their zines and manifestos for a couple of bucks apiece, eager to spread their gospel to onlookers.
In past years, I have enjoyed Labour Day as a day off and haven’t given much thought to its significance to workers and unions. On this Monday, immersed in waves of interconnected movements, I feel pulses of pride for these workers, their staunch supporters, and their resistance to complacent political leaders and structures. As I scan the crowd for a university group I know, I’m confronted by others, including the ‘communists’ and their ‘manifestos.’ I’m taken aback when they ask me whether I identify as one of them. Among these diverse yet allied groups, I feel encouraged to take a stand and speak my beliefs. Yet, I am undecided. My heart feels pulled to environmental advocacy organisations because they are the origin of my organising journey. I love progressive parties and their missions. I am idealistic in my political beliefs and more generally at heart. Still, I know that granting all residents in Canada basic necessities and insurance comes with costs. Affordable housing projects impinge—or will likely eventually impinge—on safeguarded natural habitats and reservations. Spurring a green economy is not ‘a-materialistic’. Considering these realities, I decided to be open to the many perspectives at this march. We are unquestionably linked by our belief in people and community.
As I drift between people, my heart sways with the beat of freedom and dignity present throughout the crowd. I am privileged enough to enjoy this day like many other days of my summer. At school, I get to learn about interesting people and ideas without the burden of financial insecurity and stigma. What better reason that I come out and show solidarity with the larger population, I think. I hope to use the interdisciplinary knowledge that I’ve learned to create a purposeful
life with genuine experiences. You don’t need to fully understand or preach your beliefs to get involved and show interest and support for worthy causes and groups. In an age when human rights are twiddled between the thumbs of devious leaders and their personnel, every act of protest reverberates. Momentarily, I spot a couple of participants proudly wearing the orange shirts I was initially looking for. I strike up a conversation with the club and grab a hold of their coordinated sign. At last, I feel like I’ve found some footing in this mosaic of movements and missions. My feet and my newfound energy drive me forward.
