Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of downtown Montreal to denounce “fear propaganda” and “excessive measures” taken by authorities during the pandemic.
Invoking their “rights and freedoms”, the participants of this demonstration, which included parents, families, professionals and the elderly, met in front of the office of Prime Minister François Legault on Sherbrooke Street West. to assert their point of view. They then walked on René-Lévesque Boulevard East.
MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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Without masks for the most part and without respecting social distancing, the protesters denounced what they consider to be “excessive” measures, such as the compulsory wearing of face coverings indoors. People met during the demonstration explained that they wanted to choose for themselves whether to wear the mask or not.
MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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“The government measures are excessive, frankly, it is not justified and I am not comfortable,” said Sylvie Boudreault, a woman met during the march.
The demonstrators remained generally calm throughout their action, but surly in their remarks.
MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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Several displayed slogans hostile to the authorities, both towards the premier of Quebec and the national director of public health, Dr Horacio Arruda. They were also angry with the mainstream media, which they accuse of spreading false news.
MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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Several of their signs relayed messages such as “Let me breathe and choose for our rights and freedoms”, “No to fear propaganda” or “I want to live in a free country”.
MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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Bill 61
A citizen joined the group to contest Bill 61. Élizabeth Dufresne-Gagnon thinks that the law would give “too much power” to the premier of Quebec, François Legault.
MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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“It” bypasses “environmental measures, contracts without a call for tenders, the Charbonneau commission cost 44 million, we do not want corruption, [la loi 61] would promote that. That would give unlimited powers, for an indefinite period, ”launched the initiator of a petition against the said law.
MARIO BEAUREGARD / QMI AGENCY
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The young claimant maintains that in the event of symptoms of COVID-19 she would wear her mask. She thinks that we should focus on the approach of “civic responsibility as in Sweden”.
Élizabeth Dufresne-Gagnon deplores the fact that protesters like her are targeted as “conspiracy”. “We can ask questions. We have the right to question certain things, ”she stressed.
The demonstration ended with a collective hug and protesters chanting: “Freedom” and “Truth”.
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