Speeches from rally in support of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty on January 12, 2003.
Producer: CKLN News Uploaded by:
On June 15, 2000, the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty led a demonstration to the Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park. A delegation was prepared to address the Legislature, about the demonstration's three demands: 1. reversal of the 1995 21.6% cut to social assistance 2. repeal of the Tenant Protection Act 3. repeal of the Safe Streets Act
Police barred entrance to the Legislature and very quickly the demonstration became a battle between police who were determined to clear the park, and protestors who were enraged.
Approx. 50 people were arrested and charged. Some were acquitted; many made deals and got probation; several did jail time.
Three organizers - John Clarke, Stefan Pilipa and Gaetan Heroux - are facing a four-month jury trial, accused of planning and participating in a riot. The trial began on January 13, 2003.
This public event in support of John, Stefan and Gaetan attracted 500 people. The speakers helped the audience understand the legal issues, similar cases in Canadian history, the impact of this repression on OCAP, and how the organization has perservered and continues to fight with, and on behalf of, the most marginalized peoples of our society.
[Each of these files opens with Sarena Nadir's introduction to the speaker.]
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