Occupy Montreal – Day 29

By: Paula Monroy

November 12, 2011 – Place des Peuples

With the sun hiding behind rain clouds, security and itinerants were addressed in discussion groups prior to the GA. Among what was said, it was pointed that more people need to volunteer in the security team and receive non-violent intervention training. Contrary to what the city suggests, itinerant individuals are not the source of violence in the camp, they are also part of the community. In addition, social workers will be contacted and, finally, security is responsibility of everyone.

The Whole World is Watching: Solidarity with Occupy Halifax

“The  Canadian Civil Liberties Association made a statement yesterday at midnight, worried about the reaction of the Halifax Municipality toward the occupation.” shared Angèle, an activist from Halifax, to the GA. The reason being the dismantling by police of Occupy Halifax on November 11, which resulted in shoulder dislocations and concussions of participants when making a human chain. Their personal belongings were thrown in the public garbage by police, she informed.

Angèle asked the GA to evaluate the situation for they have plans on starting a national concern, she asked “What does what happened in Halifax mean for the rest of the occupations?” The GA divided in small groups to come up with strategies.

Preventative initiatives were made. One of them is to start an online petition in support of Occupy Montreal – thus protecting it from being evicted by the city authorities. Another idea is to “have telephone and text lists of associations to contact them if we need help”, as group four explained.

Discussions concluded with the creation of an intervention team spread in other occupations in Canada. It aims to help occupations that might be in threat, “we are fighting for peace, so any shock action has to be pacifist” said Joel, representing group six before the proposal was accepted. The first intervention will be in solidarity of Occupy Nova Scotia, but the group has to be formed and organized first.

The talking stick

It is calculated that around 300 people are camping in the square, but an average of 75 participate in the GAs.

“I propose there should always be a discussion group parallel to the GAs with the talking stick, where everyone shares their experiences, frustrations, etcetera.” said Sara, high school student and activist.

The talking stick is used to impart democracy in a talking group, allowing everyone have a say regardless of the timidity of some participants. The stick is passed from person to person, and only the one holding it can speak.

She added, “It should always be open, encouraging that every working committee should do it. Those who don’t like how the GAs work can join the talking stick.”

The proposal was accepted, of course.

Discussions with the city continue

According to recent updates on the issue, the city is okay with the occupation as long as security and salubrity are prioritized.

After the GA, the walk of indignation began. It’s been one month since October 15, one month.

Occupy Montreal – Day 25

By: Paula Monroy

November 8, 2011 – Place des Peuples

With the stratosphere clogged with thick clouds, the GA starts.

“We thank the earth, those who live and those who lived.” Five seconds of silence proceed.

It turns out the municipality is concerned with the security of occupiers, so wooden structures that will prevent them from freezing to death are not allowed.

Marc from the Juridical Committee informed the GA that early in the day they had a meeting with people from the city, police and fire departments, “they talked about our wonderful homes built for and by the people” he said, adding “They say they will not tolerate them being built for security reasons.”

A young man asking for clarification was concerned and commented that “Just as we have seen it in Quebec and Vancouver, the strategy on the part of our municipal leaders is to find a loophole to justify lifting the occupation”.

The Juridical Committee will continue discussions with the city.

Natasha, Marc-Andre, Fred, Felix, Nicolas, Jamie, Patrick and Martha

The Finances Committee presented Natasha, Marc-Andre, Fred, Felix, Nicolas, Jamie, Patrick and Martha as the key holders. Their role will be to ensure the donated money is secure and keep a record for it, information that will be available for anyone to check. Their IDs will be displayed at the info booth, as well as their contact info, which will be also online.

The first four (Natasha, Marc-Andre, Fred and Felix) will have two of the keys, and will be responsible for counting the money once a day and manage it. $100 will be the limit they can allow to be spent, and for every purchase the person who asked for the money must bring back a receipt with her/his name written on top. For purchases that require more than $100, the GA will have to authorize it.

The other four (Nicolas, Jamie, Patrick and Martha) will have two keys, too, and their role will be to keep a weekly balance of the funds.

There was a long debate regarding this proposal because, to make the story short, participants were unsure whether to trust it or not. Nonetheless, the proposal was accepted.

We, the indignant 

There were some changes in the list of indignation Dan Parker introduced to the GA on Saturday, which was adopted. He said that there was a meeting at 5pm with 20 people to verify the context and fix some grammatical errors in both English and French, “the corrected text is posted on Facebook”. It reads as follows,

We, the Indignant of Montreal, are occupying People’s Plaza (formerly known as Square-Victoria) since October 15th for a myriad of reasons. The following is a non-exhaustive list.

We are indignant about the criminal and careless use of our taxes and natural resources.

We are indignant about the endless rise of tuition costs for an education that should be accessible.

We are indignant about lobbyist groups, corporations and other private interests taking precedence over the interests of the people.

We are indignant about income inequality based on age, gender and/or origin.

We are indignant about the profits of a few being valued as more important than the quality of life of most.

We are indignant about the superficial democracy that prevents our voices from being heard.

We are indignant about the place our society gives to those of different sexual identities and orientations.

We are indignant about the rampant disinformation and manipulation of the public opinion by the media through negligence, carelessness and allegiances.

We are indignant about our personal information being merchandised so that we can be sold products that we do not need.

We are indignant about the lack of access to existing technologies that should benefit us all rather than the monopoly of the petroleum industry.

We are indignant about the lack of access to existing treatments that would benefit us all rather than the monopoly of the pharmaceutical industry.

We are indignant about the status of First Nations Peoples on these occupied lands.

We are indignant about useless weapons contracts profiting local and foreign private interests.

We are indignant about the barbarious ways of our mining industry on our environment as well as humans, both here and abroad.

We are indignant about the complete avoidance of our demands ever since listening to public opinion became politically incorrect.

We are indignant about brown envelopes having more weight in our society than the future of our children.

We are indignant about our police forces being the last line of defense of our common enemies.

Together, we can turn the tide.
A people united can never be defeated.

We are the 99%

Dan expressed that he wants it to be stimulating enough so more people can join the movement and emphasized that the list will continue evolving, “it’s still open to changes” he said.

A yellow circle means you support Occupy Montreal

The reason of yellow is because of its representation for joy and positivity. ”Poetically, the circle symbolizes the unity and equality of the movement, the planet, wheel-bearing, the living cell, the sun in the night. It’s easy to reproduce.” explained François regarding the shape.

The GA agreed that the yellow circle will be worn as a symbol by anyone supporting the movement.

In addition, the GA concurred in having a tam-tam (drumming) party at noon in Saturday’s march, “we will make a stop at Phillips Square to celebrate one month of the occupation” expressed Kathy, the proposer.

As the assembly ends, an orange spider descends from the secretary chair.

Marion: “Industrial Farming makes a big impact on our health and environment, and it has a connection with workers’ rights. We will meet at 11am on Saturday at the statue to talk about these issues and work on a proposal.”

Occupy Montreal – Day 15

By: Paula Monroy

October 29, 2011 – Place des Peuples

The GA is moved back to the surface so the public can see it in action. Coughs and sneezes follow each other, a man wipes his nose with his scarf. The GA starts while the agonizing breath of autumn undressed the lining trees around.

Richard Lupien from the Action Committee proposes to read a text about peace, written by journalist Richard Hedges. “Everyone will lie down”, he adds.

The toilets continue being an issue (costs, particularly). According to the Finances Committee, “we are spending $150 dollars a day”. A short debate starts after someone proposes to charge 50 cents to use a facility. The argument ends in an invitation to use the toilets in the camp during the night, “You can go to other public washrooms nearby, maps are available inside of our facilities”, adding “Donations are welcome!”.

Environmentally friendly

The Environment Committee, renamed as the Environmental Group Committee, proposes that the organic waste produced in the occupation be used to create garden roofs. The team emphasized that “the camp is a clear example that change is possible.”

The proposal is adopted and cheered.

The Environmental group also proposed to have the camp officially recognized as a community, naming it People’s Village.

“What does it imply legally?” An participant asks. The Juridical Committee will refer to lawyers and get more information about the possibility.

For sale?

Jamie proposes to avoid selling things in the camp, arguing that money should be avoided. After debating on the reality of money, the proposal was changed and adopted. From now on things can be sold, but profits will be used for the camp.

Police

A last minute proposal concerning the march was adopted with one block from a university student, also member of the Action Committee. The Juridical Committee has been talking with the police, “I talked with a police officer…he asked us to change the direction of the march, just so we are in the same direction of the traffic.”

“We want to be pacifists, not passive”, commented the student opposing the decision.

Mark, from the Juridical Committee highlighted that “the police wants to collaborate with us so the march can be from the people to the people”.

The GA concludes.

More to see

Artists arrive dressed like Robin Hood and bankers giving eggs.

A man from Zacatecas, Mexico, stands with a poncho that reads “Viva Mexico, muerte al neoliberalismo financiero” (Long live Mexico, death to the financial neoliberalism). In his opinion, “It is sad to see that not a lot of people want to get involved in this kind of movements, youth specially”.

The march was directed to the US embassy downtown.

Occupy Montreal – Day 7

By: Paula Monroy

Yesterday was the seventh day of Occupy Montreal. One week has gone by, dispersed in conversations to reform power, regain democracy, fight injustice, constrain greed, achieve sustainability. With one hundred and ninety tents, wi-fi internet, 2 generators, 6 lawyers, and the talent and skills of individuals donating time and energy to make things happen. We are artists, social workers, teachers, technicians, students, amerindians, francophones, anglophones, espanglophones, arabiglophones… we are fellow humans collaborating with each other, organizing to raise awareness and overcome apathy. We, the 99%.

October 21, 6pm – Place des peuples.

The weather is calm, quiet. Participants assemble, eagerly, at the usual place. Tonight’s facilitator is Valerie. Thirty seconds of silence go to honour and respect those who “lived here before us now and in the future”.

After a brief reminder of the guidelines that were adopted by consensus (such as not smoking, points of translation, and call signs), the committees report themselves (for details, please refer to the information board, in front of the Communications tent). Proposals follow.

The AG Facilitators Committee propose to have an open debate after each proposal, meditate changes, and evaluate the temperature of the of the assembly. This is, among other things, to speed up the decision making process, “save time, reach conclusions quickly”. With 1 amendment and 0 blocks, the proposal got accepted.

The next proposal to be accepted was by the Mediation Committee (members are social workers and healthcare specialists), which concerned the expulsion of anyone jeopardizing the security and peace of the community. There will be 0 tolerance in situations like sexual or physical assault. The removal will be diplomatic and according to the gravity of the situation, a second chance might be granted. The GA will be involved in the process, nonetheless.

At last, members of the Aboriginal Representation Committee exposed their proposal. After one amendment concerning syntax, it reads as follows:

We say,

• Recognition of indigenous peoples living in the territory of Quebec.
• Adoption by the National Assembly of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by requiring the federal government to do the same.
•  The updating of history since the colonization of America in academic institutions in Canada and Quebec to transmit the facts more transparently and fairly to future generations in regard to First Nations
•  A moratorium on the map North
•  That the native languages be ​​protected and valued
•  Optional courses on indigenous languages.

A proposition to ban drugs (including alcohol) from the camp, completely, for security reasons, was not passed by consensus.

The invitation to protest against rising tuition fees on the 10th day of November was well received, so was the march for independence on October 29. The night went on, the assembly was concluded at 10pm.

“Le peuple uni ne sera jamais vaincue, le peuple uni ne sera jamais vaincue, people united will never be defeated, el pueblo unido jamas sera vencido!” echoes in stillness as the plaza is cleared. The first week is gone, let the second one come.

Occupy Montreal – day 1

By: Paula Monroy

The end of October 15 approaches as the beginning of this narrative starts. Wind carrying suave raindrops have finally arrived to probably last until midnight. Over 2000 people congregated since 3pm at the Quartier International de Montréal on Victoria Square, demanding the fall of the corpocratic system of government that has replaced democracy with total impunity.

The occupation is official. At least 50 people have settled a camp over the green area of the park, behind the bronze statue of the long dead Queen Victoria that stands on Rue Saint Antoine Ouest. Never mind apathy, never mind the whether; ‘Occupy Montreal‘ is part of a global movement, and is moving forward.

Naturally, the first to be subjected by the demonstration was the statue (symbol of British imperialism and Canadian colonial identity), now wearing a Guy Fawkes face and holding Quebec patriots flag over the royal sceptre. There is also a sign advertising the Zeitgeist movement that hangs from her neck.

As far as organization concerns, the assembly decided to make a consensus prior to taking any further decision. This way everyone will be able to participate and, thus, everyone’s concerns should be considered. Those opposing won’t be ignored; their remarks will be included, too. It will continue tomorrow at noon, in front of the Tai Chi Single Whip sculpture on the other extreme of the park.

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Alors que ce récit débute, la journée du 15 Octobre se termine. Le vent, avec ses
gouttelettes de pluie, est arrivé et restera probablement jusqu’à minuit. Plus
de 2000 personnes se sont rassemblées au Square Victoria dans le Quartier
International de Montréal depuis 15h, demandant la chute de la corpocratie qui, en
toute impunité, a remplacée la démocratie.

L’occupation est maintenant officielle. Au moins 50 personnes, le campement est
installé dans la partie verte du square, derrière la statue de bronze de la Reine
Victoria qui fait face à la rue St-Antoine Ouest. L’apathie, vous dites ? Le mauvais
temps ? Peu importe, ‘Occupons Montréal’ fait partie d’un mouvement global, et il
avance.

La première qui fait l’objet de la manifestation est, bien entendu, la statue (symbole
de l’impérialisme Britannique et de l’identité coloniale Canadienne). Elle porte
maintenant un masque de Guy Fawkes et brandit le drapeau Québécois des
Patriotes par dessus son sceptre royal. Une pancarte du mouvement Zeitgeist lui
pend autour du cou.

En ce qui concerne l’organisation, l’assemblée a décidé que le consensus serait
un passage obligé pour prendre toute décision. De cette façon, tout le monde
pourra participer, et les intérêts et inquiétudes de tous seront pris en compte. Les
commentaires de ceux qui se retrouvent en opposition ne seront pas ignorés, ils
seront aussi inclus. Tout ça va continuer demain, à midi, devant la sculpture Tai Chi
Single Whip de l’autre côté du parc.