Women’s Marches planned for January 19, 2019

To the Editor:

WOMEN’S MARCH, JANUARY 19, 2019

“Two years ago, on the first full day of Donald Trump’s presidency, women, men and gender non-conforming people, young and old, of diverse faiths, differently abled, immigrants and indigenous – came together, 5 million strong, on all seven continents of the world”1 to march on Washington to protest the loss of women’s rights and freedoms proposed by President Trump. The premise for this march and all of the other ‘sister marches’ and solidarity pickets occurring around the world was a belief in a world that is equitable, tolerant, just and safe for all.

On Saturday, January 19, 2019, to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington 2019, union members along with workers and community members all across Canada will march and gather to show support. ‘The #WomensWave’ together will express profound concerns about the direction government policy is going in Canada, across the world and most notably the regressive policies of conservatives and neo-liberals in government, the corporate world and, far too often, those emboldened to support such regressive policies by the regressive governments everywhere.

This year, events are planned in Ontario to mark this anniversary, to show solidarity for women, to push for the advancement of women’s rights, human rights and labour rights in Ontario and to stand against the Trump like policies of the Ford government that attacks workers, public services, women and girls and our communities.

Two networks, which grew out of the incredible grassroots efforts of previous year’s marches, are planning marches: Women’s March Canada, and March on Canada. Locally, the Grey Bruce Labour Council is organizing a solidarity picket outside of MPP Bill Walker’s constituency office. Walker is the Minister of Government and Consumer Services. The office is located 920 1st Avenue West, Suite 100 Owen Sound.

The community and labour council affiliates are invited to participate in this solidarity picket and to send a message of support to people the world over saying that the politics of “going backwards” will not stand and that decades of progress will not end with Trump or Ford or any other entity focused of turning the clock back on human rights, women’s rights and labour rights. We ask people to gather near Walker’s office for 10:15 AM. The picket will commence at 10:30 and last for about an hour. It is hoped that participants will bring flags and banners.

Dave Trumble,

Labour Council VP