This protest was organised by some of the national unions. CUPE represented the majority. I was disappointed by the numbers. A few buses brought workers from out of town. I estimate that there were about 250 protesters. The promise of an evening BBQ, burgers with a few beers, probably convinced the hard core union fellows to board the buses. It was mostly men. The crowd was complete with a few subscribers to the anarchist and communist political parties.
The speeches focused on the current government wanting to make changes to pension plans, eliminate pension plans, take away benefits, increase taxes, reduce services. "Say NO!" was repeated over and over again. There was also a lot of talk about the current political unrest and popular revolt in Egypt and Libya. Basically the people can bring about major changes.
Something that bugs me a lot: If you are a job that requires you to give speeches, then you better be good at it, and your staff should tell you when you suck. Am I the only one that tunes out as soon as the speaker is not good. It's like listening to Duceppe trying to talk in English or the late OCTranspo union head trying to defend their strike position.
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