It is Cold in November

This post was written in November for a school newspaper, regarding the Occupy Toronto movement. Readers will be indifferent to know that the article was completely unbiased towards either side of the movement.

Occupy Toronto is a peaceful demonstration protesting against economic inequality, based on the Occupy Wall Street movement. (Can you guess where that is?) It began in the middle of October, near Bay Street, before protesters moved to St. James Park and set up camp. Aside from minor inconveniences, the police and the rest of the world have been fairly tolerant.

So far, only two people were arrested in Toronto, one for trespassing, and the other for undisclosed reasons. In terms of protests, there was no commotion in Canada, until quite recently. Mayor Rob Ford had expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing occupation of the park, stating that “it is time that we ask them to move”, and that he was formulating a plan regarding the occupation.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, the death of a protester has resulted in the city’s attempts to dismantle the encampment, and in London, Ontario, tents were forcibly removed by the police, returning Victoria Park to its tranquil state once more. Currently, the commotion in St. James Park seems to be dying out as well, with some protesters relocating to Queen’s Park.

The time and manner of Rob Ford’s promise is an enigma that only time will tell. Remember to dress warmly!