Students vow to 'stand their ground,' show solidarity with Palestinians at McGill encampment
Hundreds of students are still camping out on McGill's University's campus this weekend in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The demonstrators are demanding the university divest from Israel-connected funds.
The lower field of McGill's campus, now named the "liberated zone" by demonstrators, is part of a growing movement.
"We're not leaving. Students aren't leaving. They're going to hold the fort down. They're going to stand their ground," said Maria, an organizer with Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) McGill.
They say they want an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. In order for that to happen, they say McGill needs to meet their demands.
"We want them to call for it, like to commit to the calls for divestment," said Maria, who didn't want to provide her full name out of fear of reprisals.
They say unless universities remove funds connected to Israel, they are complicit in the war.
The demonstration has some supporters but also its share of detractors.
"Setting up encampments on college campuses is a violation of pretty much every code of conduct, including that of McGill university," said Montreal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather in a video he posted on X.
The MP for Mount-Royal says that given that all students need to feel safe accessing campus for their upcoming exams, McGill should seek police help to end the demonstration.
"So to the extent that somebody needs to step in, I am asking the Quebec government to do so," he said.
Quebec Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry said Sunday in a post on social media that she was "very concerned about the unauthorized" encampment. "It is up to the university to make the necessary decisions to ensure the safety of students as we enter exam week," she added.
McGill did not immediately respond to a request for a comment on Sunday. The university said Saturday in a statement that encampments on campus are not permitted and that security officials are on site. Montreal police told CTV News early Sunday evening that the demonstration has been peaceful and officers have not had to intervene.
Meanwhile, some supporters consider the camp to be a place that's not only safe but respectful.
"I think it's important to support young people as they're speaking out. And I wanted to bring my daughter, for her to see that protests can be peaceful and we can bring some hope in the world," said a Montreal mother who also didn't want her name published.
The encampment started with about 10 tents on Saturday — a number that tripled by Sunday afternoon.
"A lot of people are just here to let us know that they have our backs and they support us and they'll do whatever is in their power to keep us sustained and keep it going," said Maria, with SPHR.
Some students are citing similar protests held by their American counterparts as the inspiration behind this act of resistance.
"When leaders are so insecure and afraid of college students, this makes you feel like you have a voice. That your voice is heard and you do make a difference," said Montreal student Raman Omar.
With a portable toilet, a partial metal gate and food supplies, the group says they're ready to stay put for as long as is it takes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Most of the city is evacuating': Gridlock on Alberta highway after evacuation order in Fort McMurray
Four Fort McMurray neighbourhoods were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire gets closer to the city.
'Inappropriate' behaviour shuts down Dublin to New York City portal
Less than a week after two public sculptures featuring a livestream between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City debuted, 'inappropriate behaviour' in real-time interactions between people in the two cities has prompted a temporary shutdown.
Maximum payout for LifeLabs class-action drops from $150 estimate to $7.86
Canadian LifeLabs customers who filed an application for a class-action settlement began receiving their payments this week, though at a much lower amount than initially expected.
Sask. police seize 1.5M pieces of evidence, lay 60 more charges in child exploitation case
Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed that a historic sexual assault investigation has led to the discovery of alleged crimes against children dating back to 2005.
About 1,000 wildfires confirmed so far this year: Here's a quick look at the situation in Canada
Nearly 1,000 wildfires have burned across Canada so far this year. Here's an overview of the situation in Canada.
King Charles III unveils his first official portrait since his coronation
King Charles III has unveiled the first portrait of the monarch completed since he assumed the throne, a vivid image that depicts him in the bright red uniform of the Welsh Guards against a background of similar hues.
Full List Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
American sought after 'So I raped you' Facebook message detained in France on 2021 warrant
An American accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said, 'So I raped you,' has been detained in France after a three-year search.
Tavares scores in OT, rescues Canada from potential upset in 7-6 win over Austria
Captain John Tavares scored 15 seconds into overtime and saved his teammates some embarrassment as Canada held on for a 6-5 win over Austria on Tuesday at the world hockey championship.