Thousands mobilize in Toronto against Carney investment summit
Thousands of people joined a mass day of action in downtown Toronto on Monday, challenging the agenda of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s investment summit and calling for an economy that puts people and the planet before private profit.
The mobilization brought together climate activists, Indigenous land defenders, workers, housing campaigners, migrant justice organisers and community groups as part of The Many vs. The Money counter-summit.
The three-day programme culminated in a mass gathering at Nathan Phillips Square, followed by a march through downtown Toronto. Protesters challenged plans to attract investment into fossil fuels, AI infrastructure, weapons manufacturing and major infrastructure projects. The coalition argues that public money should not be used to reduce the risks of private investment while communities are left to deal with the social and environmental costs. Instead, it is calling for investment in affordable housing, public services, clean energy, good jobs, community wealth and the protection of Indigenous rights and lands.
Atiya Jaffar, Canada Lead, 350.org, said:
“Our future is not for sale. Instead of making Big Oil, Big Tech and weapons manufacturers richer, governments should be investing in a safe, affordable and liveable future for everyone.”
Rachel Small, Canadian Lead, World BEYOND War, said:
“Toronto will not allow the people bankrolling and profiting from war, destruction and exploitation across the world to go unopposed.”
Nik Barry-Shaw, Trade and Privatization Campaigner, Council of Canadians, said:
“This isn’t an investment summit, it is a privatization summit. We need investment in the public services and infrastructure that communities rely on, not private profit.”
Eve Saint, Financial Divestment Campaigner, Gidimt’en Checkpoint and Co-founder of 8th Fire Rising, said:
“Indigenous sovereignty, treaty rights and environmental reality cannot be put on mute. Overriding local consent is not an investment strategy — it is a recipe for stranded capital.”
The Many vs. The Money coalition represents hundreds of thousands of workers and community members across Canada and beyond, and is calling for investment that strengthens communities, protects the climate and puts public benefit ahead of private profit.
For further information, photos and interviews please contact:
Gur Tsabar, [email protected], 347.248.1390 (cell/Signal/WhatsApp)
Eagleclaw Thom, [email protected], 613-404-2004
