Upcoming events
Defend the right to dissent!
Join people from across the city from the labour movement to human rights movements to defend our right to protest in the city and denounce the double standard by police and Ottawa Bylaw.
Emergency Rally for Trans Youth
🚨NEW TIME AND LOCATION🚨
All children and youth deserve access to life-saving, gender-affirming care and support. Unfortunately, Alberta premier Danielle Smith seems to disagree. Recently, she proposed the most restrictive anti-trans laws in Canada targeting trans youth.
Parents, youth, and caring community members are speaking up in opposition to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s egregious restrictions on the rights and freedoms of transgender youth and their families, her restrictive policies on sexual health education and interference in families’ healthcare.
Smith is coming to Ottawa on February 5th to speak at a right-wing event. Let’s show her we won’t tolerate this assault on the rights and freedoms of transgender youth and their families.
Please join us and many other community advocates and organizations as we let Danielle Smith know how we feel about her egregious attacks on trans youth and families!
Monday, Feb 5th
5:20 PM (end time TBD)
Sparks & O’Connor
Spread the word! Please share with your networks!
In order to keep yourself and your friends safe, please review the Safety Plan section of our website prior to the event.
For more information or to volunteer, contact us at communitysolidarityottawa@gmail.com
Opposition to Christine Anderson and “Make it your business” rally on Parliament Hill
Location: Plaza at Metcalfe and Wellington Streets, Ottawa
Local residents are gathering across from Parliament Hill to oppose a rally that brings together notorious far-right agitators from Europe and Canada to spread fear and hate against immigrants, Muslims and gender-diverse people.
The traveling roadshow features Christine Anderson, a far-right member of the European parliament representing Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, and Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Christian fundamentalist crusader and conspiracy theorist from the Netherlands, as well as their Canadian allies.
The Parliament Hill rally is the last stop in their cross-Canada tour, after planned speaking events in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Ottawa (since cancelled by the venue). At these ticketed talks, Anderson has demonized trans-affirming healthcare as “downright evil,” while Vlaardingerbroek warned Canadian and Dutch “borders are wide open and we have an increasing sense of unsafety in our streets.”
CSO and community allies repudiate the harmful messages being preached and express their outrage that at a time of rising anti-Muslim, antisemitic and anti-trans violence such hateful speech should be permitted on Parliament Hill.
As always, we suggest masking up and following a safety plan.
Transgender Day of Rememberance Vigil
A Trans Day Of Rememberance vigil in Ottawa is being organized and is set to happen at 7:00pm on Monday, November 20th at the Human Rights Monument at 220 Elgin st.
Ceasefire NOW! Join the Protest on November 12th
Join us Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM on Parliament Hill to press the Canadian government to take a clear stand demanding an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.
Protect Trans Kids! (again) Rally against anti-2SLGTBQIA+ hate!
Once again, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ activists are planning to rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 21st, and once again we plan to counter them.
Protect Trans Kids! Rally against anti-2SLGTBQIA+ hate!
This coming Wednesday, September 20th, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ activists plan to rally on Parliament Hill as well as in a number of cities across the country for a so-called “Million Person March.” While they claim to be in support of “parental rights,” this is nothing more than yet another anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate rally.
Many of the people behind this hateful protest are familiar faces from previous anti-2SLGBTQIA+ mobilizaions in Ottawa – homophobic and transphobic activist Kamel El-Cheikh, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate group Save Canada, as well as the usual gathering of homophobic convoy activists and other far-right networks.
Given the recent policy changes in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick targeting trans youth, and recent comments from Doug Ford as well as Education Minister Steven Lecce floating similar policies in Ontario, it is important that we come together at this time to show that the voices of these homophobic and transphobic bigots do not represent the majority and do not represent our community.
That’s why, at the same time as they are gathering on Parliament Hill, we are going to be gathering in front of the Supreme Court of Canada to show our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and our opposition to the so-called “parents rights” agenda that is nothing more than thinly veiled homophobia and transphobia.
Protect Trans Kids!
Rally against anti-2SLGTBQIA+ hate!
9:00 am
Wednesday, September 20th
Supreme Court of Canada
301 Wellington Street
We’ve beaten the far right before, and with your support, we can do so again.
We will be joined by our allies from Horizon Ottawa, the Ottawa District Labour Council, as well as a number of unions and community groups who have come together to send a message of solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
As always, review the Safety Plan to see how to best keep yourself and your friends safe. In particular:
Do not give interviews to far right media outlets or “independent journalists”
Don’t debate far-right trolls. Drown them out with chants and noise! Especially if they are filming or livestreaming and looking for content.
Do not film supporters without their permission, and do not livestream. Do film the far right, fake journalists, and the police in order to protect yourself and your friends.
Protect your identity. Mask up, and use signs, flags, umbrellas, etc., to protect yourself from being photographed by far right activists or fake news outlets.
Do not talk to the police
Maintain situational awareness, and watch each others’ backs
Try to arrive and leave as a group
Check the weather, drive safely and dress appropriately! Give yourself plenty of time to arrive!
We are also encouraging people to contact their representatives – in particular school trustees and MPPs – to express their support for gender-affirming policies and inclusive education, and their opposition to any policies that would forcibly out trans youth.
For additional information on who is behind these anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate rallies, please see our (parody – but informative!) website 1 Million March for Children.
#StatusForAll Postering Action
Join our friends at the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change in welcoming back our MPs to session with posters calling for #StatusForAll all across Ottawa!
We will meet at 334 MacLaren Street, Citizens for Public Justice office, at 11 am to collect #StatusForAll flyers and postering materials. We will then divide in smaller groups to poster different areas of Downtown Ottawa. We will reconvene at Parliament Hill at 11:45 am for pictures and short speeches from migrants and advocates!
For more information, see the MWAC event page.
March for Trans Rights!
This year, as trans people are demonized and stigmatized by anti-rights groups, we need to show up - in numbers - to defend the dignity, humanity and rights of trans, two spirit and gender diverse people.
Defend Drag Storytime (again)
Once again, homophobic fascists want to shut down family events. Once again, we will stop them.
Drown out hate! Defend trans kids!
On June 9th, Billboard Chris and Save Canada plan to spread anti-trans hate in front of our schools. We won’t let them.
Enough is Enough: Day of Action
The movement for decent work is growing. Workers in unstable, low-wage and precarious jobs are demanding justice. The pandemic is demonstrating what we already know - workers need decent wages, decent hours, paid sick days, equal pay, and labour laws that protect us all. While this government is failing workers, with continued organizing, we are proving that even the most anti-worker governments are feeling the pressure to respond . We are fighting for justice for workers, and we won’t stop until we win decent work for ALL.
Rally at Major’s Hill Park at noon, followed by a march through Byward Market!
Rally For Choice
Hope to see you at the Human Rights Monument next Thursday, May 11 at 12pm! After listening to some incredible community members, we will then march to Parliament Hill to show anti-choicers that the right to abortion is here to stay.
See you there!
International May Day - Support striking workers!
On May 1 (tomorrow), honour International Workers’ Day in the National Capital Region by marching with our PSAC siblings starting at 9:30am! Join the line at any time along the route.
Friday CAPE Solidarity Picket with PSAC - Treasury Board
Community Solidarity Ottawa supports the Public Service Alliance of Canada! The strike is holding the federal government accountable for its failure to support workers who were on the frontline during the pandemic. Workers can’t wait, and need community solidarity to win justice.
Join other federal workers from the unions PIPSC and CAPE for solidarity actions. PIPSC is calling for people to show up in support Thursday at 12:00 PM. The CAPE solidarity caucus is rallying to show support for PSAC this Friday at noon at the Treasury Board at 90 Elgin (across from the NAC).
Use the picket line locator to support a picket line near you!
Support PSAC - join the lines with PIPSC!
Community Solidarity Ottawa supports the Public Service Alliance of Canada! The strike is holding the federal government accountable for its failure to support workers who were on the frontline during the pandemic. Workers can’t wait, and need community solidarity to win justice.
Join other federal workers from the unions PIPSC and CAPE for solidarity actions. PIPSC is calling for people to show up in support Thursday at 12:00 PM. The CAPE solidarity caucus is rallying to show support for PSAC this Friday at noon at the Treasury Board at 90 Elgin (across from the NAC).
Use the picket line locator to support a picket line near you!
Support PSAC!
150,000 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have been on strike for a week, demanding fair wage increases and respect.
Community Solidarity Ottawa supports the Public Service Alliance of Canada! The strike is holding the federal government accountable for its failure to support workers who were on the frontline during the pandemic. Workers can’t wait, and need community solidarity to win justice.
Join PSAC and allies on Parliament Hill for a massive show of support between 9am and 2pm!
Show up for trans kids!
In recent weeks, we have seen a number of anti-trans activists attend and school board meetings across Ontario in order to spread fear and hatred towards trans youth, including at the OCDSB.
Multiple anti-2SLGBTQIA+ figures have announced their plans to delegate at the upcoming OCDSB meetings on March 28th and April 4th, where they will surely take the opportunity to grandstand and spread transphobic speech.
We’ve seen what happens when anti-trans hate is allowed to flourish. As such, we also plan to be there to show support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and show that we won’t tolerate anti-trans hate in our community.
We are encouraging members of the community to come to these meetings in person to show support for trans and gender diverse students.
Show up for trans kids!
In recent weeks, we have seen a number of anti-trans activists attend and school board meetings across Ontario in order to spread fear and hatred towards trans youth, including at the OCDSB.
Multiple anti-2SLGBTQIA+ figures have announced their plans to delegate at the upcoming OCDSB meetings on March 28th and April 4th, where they will surely take the opportunity to grandstand and spread transphobic speech.
We’ve seen what happens when anti-trans hate is allowed to flourish. As such, we also plan to be there to show support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and show that we won’t tolerate anti-trans hate in our community.
We are encouraging members of the community to come to these meetings in person to show support for trans and gender diverse students.
Tell the Convoy to Kick Rocks, then Rally Against Private Healthcare
Tell the Convoy to Kick Rocks, then Rally Against Private Healthcare
Solidarity and Pride on Sparks!
Thanks to all who came out and supporting Drag Storytime at the National Arts Centre. We danced, we had fun, and we outnumbered the far-right big time! Love is stronger than hate!
Next steps: so far we’ve seen a few individual far-right types posting on social media about planning to disrupt Capital Pride programming this weekend on Sparks Street. Nothing seems to be organized formally yet, but that doesn’t mean a few bad actors won’t show up with bad intentions. So why not make plans to head out and attend some of the amazing outdoor pride programming on Sparks Street this weekend?
Check out the schedule of events here. We have only seen threats to disrupt the outdoor drag events on Sparks Street so far (6-9pm on Friday, 11am-5pm on Saturday, and 11am-4pm on Sunday), but if anything changes we’ll send a follow up email.
As always, keep yourself safe, go with a buddy or friends, talk with your group about what you’re comfortable doing and not doing if there is a disruption, and of course, have a great time at some amazing winter pride events. Show up early, be ready to safely intervene if needed, and enjoy the shows otherwise!
If you’re out at a Capital Pride event this weekend and see some convoy-types milling around or being disruptive, please use the Twitter hashtag #OttawaPrideDefence to alert others to what’s happening, and email us at communitysolidarity.ottawa@gmail.com so we can try to organize a rapid response.
Defend Drag Storytime!
Show up to rally against homophobic bigots who want to shut down Drag Storytime at the National Arts Centre!
May Day Block Party / Fête de quartier du 1er mai
May Day Block Party, 2pm, Confederation Park, Ottawa
RTO Unwelcoming Party
As many of you are no doubt aware, a second iteration of the hate convoy that occupied our streets in February is en route to Ottawa this weekend, going by the name Rolling Thunder Ottawa. Members of the CSO steering committee have decided to hold an unwelcoming party to greet them at Strathcona Park!
Community Picnic in the Park
❤️ Community Picnic in the Park
Where: Confederation Park
Bring: masks, friends, families.
Come out to meet your neighbours, connect with community, and share a hate-free space after the convoy occupation! Coffee and snacks will be provided!
Please share the below poster in your circles for April 9th.
Solidarity
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❤️ Pique-nique communautaire dans le parc
Où : Parc de la Confédération
Apportez : des masques, des amis, des familles.
Sortez pour rencontrer vos voisins, vous connecter avec la communauté et partager un espace sans haine après l'occupation du convoi! Du café et des collations seront fournis!
Veuillez partager l'affiche ci-dessous dans vos cercles pour le 9 avril.
Solidarité
United Against Racism! Status For All!
United Against Racism! Status For All!
Where: Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Monument, 220 Elgin St, Ottawa
Whether its hate speech mixed in with the "Freedom Convoy"; or Black and people of colour refugees, and migrants fleeing Ukraine are facing abuse and exclusion - racism is rising. We know that racism is a strategy to divide us to push an agenda that hurts public services, our climate and our communities in the interests of the richest few.