2010-05-21
Security forces must keep the downtown core clear
By TOM GODFREY
Some homeless men and women will be moved out of downtown as part of a security crackdown by Toronto Police for the G20 summit next month, officers and protesters say.
Members of 10 anti-summit groups — including anti-poverty, gender, environment and native activists — vow to wreak havoc when the world leaders meet June 26-27 at the Metro Convention Centre. The G8 takes place in Huntsville June 25-26.
The groups have refused to reveal their tactics or if they’re linked to a cell that firebombed a Royal Bank in Ottawa Tuesday.
John Clark of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty said some homeless have complained of being pressured by police to move from the area where the summit is taking place.
“It is not surprising that they are moving people,” Clark said Thursday. “People are complaining that the police want them out and that they have to move.”
Clark was cheered by demonstrators as he spoke about plans to protest the world leaders.
“People will resist and we have a right to resist,” he said to loud cheers. “We are taking early steps in building a resistance movement.”
Toronto Police spokesman Meaghan Gray confirmed that officers were working with city shelters to relocate the homeless.
“Those who do not move will be escorted out by police and shelter officials,” Gray said. “They will be moved but will have access to the services they may need.”
Farah Miranda of No One is Illegal said Torontonians didn’t want a summit or the “police state.”
“We will be marching on the streets and we want to show them our power and shut them down,” Miranda said. “This is part of our struggle for migrant justice.”
Maryam Adrangi of People for Climate Justice said the environment was not on the summit’s agenda.
“Canada has refused to put environment on the agenda of the G20,” Adrangi said. “It is just disgusting.”
Sharmeen Khan of the Toronto Community Mobilization Network said the protests are part of an ongoing struggle for social justice.
“The attendees of the summits represent a wealthy few who are responsible for creating policies and institutions that destroy communities,” Khan said.
The protesters have a host of activities planned including a radical street party on June 26.