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 18

By: Paula Monroy

November 1, 2011 – Place des Peuples

During the evening, an argument between members of the Anarchist group and the Militia led to the stabbing of the hospital that stands North-West of the camp, right next to Rue Saint Antoine. The GA was delayed.

A friendly weather, which allowed the meeting to occur on the surface again, did not seem to be reason for the GA to continue. Because there were not enough people to have a quorum, the GA was changed to a discussion group. No more than 30 people stayed.

The Finances Committee was not happy with this, members had handed out their proposition regarding the security of  the money accumulated from donations.

Their proposition is broken down in three sections: Key holders, Donations and Auditors. The idea is simple, the money will be kept in a float box with only 4 keys available, and two people will be key holders and two more auditors. It reads, “We need two key holders [that]  will be responsible for the daily finances so at least one key holder must be on camp each evening[…]The keyholders are the only people who can remove money from the donations bin[…]All requests for reimbursements and payments are made at Donations[…]Once per week, one auditor, one keyholder, and one witness are responsible to count the total donations”. The committee explained that this is the best they came up with for now, participants thanked them.

Some announcements

Action Committee invited everyone to a march on the 7th at 2pm. “We will go to Hydro-Quebec“, calling for artists to call for the media “so we are broadcasted”.

Another demonstration will occur this Thursday at 5:30pm against imperialism.

Also on Thursday, the city is expected to remove water irrigators under the tents.

An over-expected visit

Offering free coffee and timbits, three fire fighters joined to the meeting. The reason being P-51, a law fire regulation. “Candles and combustion engines inside the tents are not allowed”. They recommended campers to buy propane heaters made for tents with no carbon dioxide emissions.

In reaction, participants asked them to join them on the 14th of November “because we need the fire department recommendation to get a permit from the city to get electricity”.

Regarding peace and the militia

Due to the incident from earlier in the evening, a member of the Juridical Committee suggested the creation of a peace declaration. “We have to react as a collective”, he added.

At the beginning of the meeting, someone suggested to exclude the right-wing from the occupation. Nonetheless, it ended with the following, “We are defining what the problems are, we need this before making decisions”, emphasizing, “We are defining who we are”.

So far, the militia have joined the Mediation Committee, responsible to intervene between disputes and bring about reconciliation. In addition, they want to join the movement as civilians.

Someone addressed the fact that the militia is well organized “when they say they are going to do something, they do it…I cannot understand why we are not doing it.”

The meeting ended with music and dancing. The GA dissolved before the end.

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 13

By: Paula Monroy

Montreal has began removing her autumn garment, soon she will put on her white coat of winter. The morning welcomes us with a chilly breath and a sunny glare.

October 27, 2011 – Square-Victoria metro station

The 13th General Assembly was set underground. Surrounded by the Rue Saint- Jaques, Centre de Commerce Mondial and Place Victoria entrances, people pass by – some ignoring the protesters, others showing curiosity.

Today the dynamic changed. The GAs will happen only 3 times during the week: Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday. These will be days for decision making, the other days (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday) will be informal meetings dedicated for discussion.

There was a proposal to leave Sunday on the loose; nonetheless, because “we want to have as many meetigs as possible for people who cannot be here often” as the girl who proposed the schedule explained, it was turned down.

To arrive to this decision, the assembly was divided into smaller groups. In each group, ideas and opinions were shared concerning the change of the GA’s agenda. Some groups were bilingual, others trilingual. Then, the groups dissolved and only the people who took notes, formed a new group. One by one, each stood in front of the assembly and shared a summary of conclusions made in their previous group. Debate went on.

Communal huts 

Starting on Monday, Housing Committee plans on start building tipis that will replace the tents of Place des Peuples. Each tipi will shelter a maximum of 5 individuals. Today at 9:30am was the first meeting with the campers, “Note, you MUST attend this meeting in order to find a place in a (warm!) hut this winter” was highlighted.

Money?

A total of $10,000 CA were received in donations, half of it is left. At least 25% was spent in the maintenance of washrooms, which seemed to worry everyone. The Finances Committee is looking for options to put the money in a safe place, suggesting to open a bank account – which, of course, was not appealing. “We need to start looking for other alternatives, then.”

Pacifism 

The Security Committee talked about the march that will happen on Saturday. He said “If there are problems, we will sit on the ground.”, this applies in cases of violence. For instance, if someone starts breaking windows or if the police turns violent (in this situation, everyone is responsible of taking photos and record the abuses for proof).

The GA concluded seven minutes after 9pm.

Occupy Montreal – Day 12

By: Paula Monroy

October 26, 2011 – Place des Peuples

While Monsieur Bergeron walks surrounded by photographers and some other curious spirits, one of his team members is having a conversation with an occupier. It goes somewhat like this:

O – …we don’t have electricity during the day, only at night.

TM – The idea comes from New York, but the energy is been wasted here. You already organized and you are not even getting money.

O – We get donations…

TM – There you go! Trying to fight greed is a joke. You think those executives care about you? (points at the buildings around) They look at you and laugh. Do you think they will give you their money? They don’t give a damn!

O shrinks shoulders and raises eyebrows

TM – What is interesting here is that you create your own communities and don’t use your money. You can grow your own apples…

O – Yeah, but that is long term…

TM – No, no, no. You can do it tomorrow…

It is a 7°C Wednesday, dry and cloudy. Occupiers rub their hands together, hoping to get some heat out of the friction. There is no music playing in the background, no loud chatting. Some are smiling, others are in conflict with the coldness of the evening. The presence of the visitors seems unnoticed.

“He is here to be politically correct” expresses Jean Louis Guay, funder of the Quebec International Party.

The assembly will start soon. A workshop of economy is concluding for the day, behind the Victoria monument. Monsieur Bergeron is having a dialogue with the small audience surrounding his sight. Words like “Democracy” “Change” “Future” “Example” manifest one after the other. Heads move in agreement. Finally, his crows disperses, the assembly is starting.

“Mic check!”

Facilitators are presented as the day dims into night.

“Kompucha will be given for free everyday” is announced.

A young guy asks confused what it is. It is explained to everyone, “basically, fermented tea”. Many faces do not look convinced, but they are thankful, nonetheless.

Monsieur Bergeron is welcomed in cheerful chants and claps. He is surprised when hearing his sentences repeated by the GA, and giggles about it. The energy remains positive. Water and electricity are addressed the most. His presence raised optimism for many.

The assembly moves on as he departs.

A few announcements

Housekeeping matters are discussed. Security Committee invites everyone to participate in taking care of each other because there was a sleeping bag stolen, among other mischiefs.

Coordination Committee stresses that “We don’t have the intention to leave during this winter. We are looking for people to find solutions. We are not gonna stay in the tents all winter. We need money”.

There is a group already working in the prototype for a yurt. It is planned to be “big”. Nonetheless, there are expected to be more yurts like the one beside the hospital tent, on the north-west square of the park, but the person responsible for that is in Mexico at the moment.

“We need gazebos for artists and technicians” shared the Committee We Are Thinking.

The Propaganda and Critics committees were introduced.

Now, the propositions

It was agreed that the Sunday event will be moved to the are between the tai chi sculptures, so campers occupying that area will be removed only for the event. “This is instead of asking the police to close the street. It’s easier”.

Because temperatures are expected to go as low as 5°C, the assembly accepted to move the meeting to the Square Victoria metro (entrance on Rue Saint-Jaques).

Saturday march at 3pm will go to the offices of the minister of Quebec, making stops whenever a bank gets on the way – to protest. It was suggested to support the Tax Tobin. A conversation went long, trying to understand what the tax tobin is all about; however, the amendment to “wait until tomorrow so people can inform themselves of what this tax is all about” was accepted. A decision will be made today at 11:30am.

A child cries in the background.

Patrick proposes to abolish inheritance, “make everything a person owns, all the money they have, once they die go to a National Collection”. No votes are made, it is too cold.

More

The Union of McGill workers will march on Friday at 10am. It will be a Funeral March, “The dead of freedom of speech”. They will bring donations to the occupation between noon and 1pm on the same day.

Occupy Montreal – Day 11

An apology to the readers for the delay. I was unable to be in yesterday’s meeting, and the summary was just sent to me a few minutes ago by the Environment Committee (To the Environment Committee: Thank you!).  For that matter, this post won’t have the literary richness of the previous ones (sorry).

October 25, 2011 – Place des Peuples

The following proposals were accepted:

• By the Sunday Events Committee – Funds raised on the 23 of October will be used to “hire a vehicle to transport materials, generator, sound system (also for rent) etc”.
• Action Committee – Collaboration with the municipal police for the next march, this in order to keep a good relationship with the municipality.
• Environment Committee – There will be an attempt to build a composting toilet and get materials for free.
• “It is proposed to make a list of application deadline for the future without declaration of the movement.”, proposed by Maya.

Other than that:

Solar panels just arrived and Richard Bergeron, leader of Projet Montréal and city councillor, will be present today from 5:30pm to 6pm.

Occupy Montreal – Day 10

By: Paula Monroy

On saturday the GA voted for the occupation of place Jean Paul Riopelle. Having apparently received the authorization of the SPVM (Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal), the next day, Sunday, a group of occupiers went to prepare the place, covering the monuments in prevention of vandalism. Nonetheless, the police arrived and refused them the access, arguing they did not have permission to occupy the place. There were communication problems within the police service and were not able to find who had previously authorized the occupation.

Consequently, it was decided yesterday, Monday, to movilize to the city hall. The decision was made by the GA on the same day, about 30 minutes after having started. No more than 50 people took over Rue Saint Antoine, walking firmly, shouting “Nous sommes les 99%”.

Three days after the occupation started, Oct. 18, electric power was shot off at Square Victoria. However, it is reported by campers that the power was working in and out at random throughout the three days. There was power for the show on Sunday, but it went off as soon as it was over. There are two generators supplying power to the camp at the moment, but there are concerns with security because they function with propane.

When arrived to the city hall on Rue Notre Dame E, the doors were open and security guards welcomed us all while getting in.

CASO (Club aquatique Sud-Ouest) members were present, including children, the reason being that the city will close the historic Bain Émard at the end of the year due to cost-cuts. They joined the bruit with the Occupy Montreal arrival.

A representative of the Information and Coordination Committee exposed concerns with security for the occupants to the council, “we therefore require another space to occupy”.

Michael Applebaum, president of Montreal’s executive committee at city council, responded that for questions of security “you will not be allowed”. “If you want”, he included “we can always meet in a near future, whenever you want, we can meet here with our representatives, sit down, take a look at what your needs are; but the objective here is to make sure that you have the authorization from the police department and the fire department and we will always take their recommendations and will apply them appropately.”

Occupy Montreal – Days 8 and 9

By: Paula Monroy

A few changes were made during the weekend. First of all, there are about 250 tents occupying the square. The megaphones no longer play a role in the meetings, now replaced by an echoing chorus. When the speaker speaks, everyone else repeats in one clear voice what she or he has said; thus, the speaker is compelled to speak clearly and concisely. When “Mic Check!” is said, everyone repeats it to reorganize the collection of voices any time it gets messy. Regarding this decision, Emily explains, “If you have 400 to 500 people, we lose more time to do the people’s mic.”

A board with detailed graphics of hand gestures by a volunteer, these gestures are mandatory during the assembly (just as it was agreed on day 1) in order to articulate an opinion. Those taking names for proposals and amendments carry with them a sign, too. So does person in the info role, with a big interrogation mark followed by “info”. Translations were switched to the right side of the assembly, and the point to speak was moved to the center.

“There was more dynamism” expressed Leonardo, a University of Montreal political science graduate. Indeed, decisions were made faster and a sense of complete equality was visible.

Three policemen dressed like civilians were present on Saturday’s assembly.

Some of the proposals that were accepted are:

• Occupy Riopelle Square with 30 tents as immediate action. Moving also on to the grounds of the UN at St-Catherina E,  Phillips Square and the Israeli Embassy were also considered. Nonetheless, the police did not agree with the UN option and suggested to camp in nearby parks instead.
• The expulsion of the LaRouche group. “It is not against the people but their ideas, which are xenophobic, racist, homophobic and anti-ecological … What we exclude is their table but not the individuals.” stated the Indigenous Solidarity Committee.
• A  march next Saturday (October 29) at 3pm (after the GA)
• An online support list for the movement Occupy Montreal

There was a proposal on Sunday prompted from the expulsion of the LaRouche group on Saturday, in which it is suggested to allow certain groups with a philosophy that favours the occupation “to avoid censorship, to include everyone”, specified Andrea. People was not sure and it is expected to be reconsidered on Monday.

<<More details on all of the adopted proposals will be coming soon in one single manifesto by the end of the week. Stay tuned!>>

Occupy Montreal – Day 4

By: Paula Monroy

One by one, people arrive to the meeting. A young man whose woolen hat is bigger than his head calls everyone in French, “The general assembly is starting, the general assembly is starting”. Soft music plays in a small white portable stereo; when Martha starts speaking, the boy holding it turns off the volume slowly, making the music grow faint little by little, unnoticed.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Martha was tonight’s presenter, a young woman with short curly hair, wearing a mid blue coat. She was assisted by another female activist, also of curly (but long) hair, and this is her first time assisting in the movement.

There was an unsuccessful thief attempt early in the day, but the Security Committee took care of the situation. The community of protesters camping voted to “evade repression between ourselves”.

Most committees were introduced in the assembly, some giving out dates to meet if anyone wants to get involved. Among these “some” were the Sociocultural Committee (which is organizing the show on Sunday, thus made a call to Montreal’s known artists to sign up; its meeting will start at 2pm, today), the Facilities Committee (responsible of the general assembly structure to ensure the process is even, will have its first meeting will be today at 3:30pm), the Resolution Committee (deals with technicalities and ideas and will meet today at 10am), the Solidarity Committee (is looking for artists to join and will meet today at 1pm); there is also a committee that is offering workshops on economy at 4pm every day.

The Family Committee asked to respect the children’s area that has been designated at the back of the camp, by not drinking alcoholic beverages or consume other drugs nearby. “Come see Lauren for more information and establish a date to meet”.

A scent of marijuana and tobacco coats the air in a thin layer of smoke. Three fire trucks  drive in line across the block with the sirens and red lights on. As they approach Rue Saint Antoine O, their klaxons sound, raising up the spirit of the night. Participants cheer and smile.

A participant who defined herself as pacifist, suggested the abolition of smoking during the general assembly. The majority agreed. Smokers were invited to do it on the side.

The Action Committee was formed to take care of organizing action events, such as demonstrations outside of banks, joining today’s general strike, extending the camp to other areas of the city, among other matters that demand action. There will be a meeting this Thursday at 4:30pm.

McGill University is expected to go on a general strike today. Students, professors, and other staff will unite. Hope prevails. Tolerance is embraced. “Énergie!” everyone shouts, “Énergie!”.

The Committee of Philosophy took the responsibility of getting in contact with the community of intellectuals, researchers and experts in subjects like the environment, economics, and such.

A National Forum will be open for dialogue starting today. The conversation will go around the international economy.

Proposals about nationalizing oil and mining companies in Quebec were welcomed with praise.

___________________________________________________________________

Un par un, les gens arrivent à l’assemblée. Un jeune homme portant une géante
tuque de laine annonce en français « L’AG [Assemblée Générale] commence ! L’AG
commence ! ». Il y a une musique douce venant d’une stéréo portable lorsque

Martha prend la parole. Celui à la stéréo baisse le volume petit à petit, la musique
s’évanouit doucement, imperceptible.

Mardi 19 Octobre 2011. Martha est l’animatrice de ce soir, une jeune femme aux
cheveux courts et bouclés, au manteau bleu pétant. Une autre activiste l’assiste,
aussi aux cheveux bouclés mais longs, c’est la première fois qu’elle aide au
déroulement de l’assemblée.

Il y a eu une tentative de vol (ratée) plus tôt aujourd’hui, le comité Sécurité a pris
la situation en charge. La communauté a par contre voté pour « éviter la répression
entre nous ».

La plupart des comités ont été présentés à l’assemblée, avec des détails sur les jours
de rencontres pour ceux qui voudraient s’impliquer. Parmi les nombreux comités:
le comité Socioculturel (qui organise le spectacle Dimanche et a donc appelé les
artistes connus de Montréal à s’inscrire, les réunions débuteront aujourd’hui à 14h)
; le comité Organisation (qui s’occupe de la structure de l’assemblée générale et
s’assure d’un processus équitable, la première réunion sera à 15h30 aujourd’hui) ;
le comité Revendications (qui réfléchit aux demandes et idées, se réunira
aujourd’hui à 10h) ; le comité Solidarité (qui appelle les artistes à se joindre à eux,
se réunira aujourd’hui à 13h) ; finalement, un comité offre des cours d’éducation
économique tous les jours à 16h.

Le Comité Famille a demandé à tous de respecter la zone « enfants » qui a été
désignée à l’arrière du campement, plus précisément de ne pas y consommer de
l’alcool ou des drogues. « Venez voir Lauren pour plus d’informations et pour
déterminer une date et heure de réunion ».

Un parfum de marijuana et de tabac s’élève dans l’air et l’enveloppe d’une fine
couche de fumée. Trois camions de pompiers, sirènes en alertes et lumières rouges
allumées, passent l’un après l’autre au coin du square. Alors qu’ils s’approchent de la
rue St-Antoine Ouest, leur klaxons résonnent et rehaussent l’ambiance de la soirée.
Les participants, souriants, applaudissent et s’acclament.

Une participante, qui se décrit en tant que pacifiste, suggère l’interdiction de fumer
pendant l’assemblée générale. La majorité approuve. Les fumeurs sont invités à
fumer, mais à la lisière du groupe.

Le comité Action a été formé pour organiser les événements et actions—on peut
nommer entre autre : manifester devant les banques, se joindre à la grève générale
d’aujourd’hui, agrandir le campement dans d’autres parties de la ville, etc. La
première réunion se tiendra Jeudi à 16h30.

L’Université McGill devrait se mettre en grève générale aujourd’hui, avec les
étudiants, professeurs et employés administratifs unis. L’espoir règne. On épouse la
tolérance. « Énergie ! » tous crient, « Énergie ! ».

Le comité Philosophie et Politique a pris la responsabilité de contacter les
intellectuels, chercheurs et experts en environnement, économie, et autres sujets
pertinents.

Un « Forum National » sera ouvert à partir d’aujourd’hui pour débuter une
conversation et un échange sur l’économie internationale.

La proposition de nationaliser des compagnies minières et pétrolières au Québec a
été bien reçue.