Chris in the News: Rally against Prorogation

Hundreds gather to slam shuttered Parliament

January 24, 2010
Emma Reilly

Hundreds of Hamiltonians crowded Gore Park Saturday afternoon to denounce Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s prorogation of parliament.

The crowd held signs, waved Canadian flags, and listened to speeches by several local politicians, including NDP MPs David Christopherson and Chris Charlton and Liberal candidate Dan McLean. Organizers estimated the protest drew about 350 people.

Hamilton’s rally was one of 60 demonstrations staged in Canadian cities. There were also five international protests in London, Amsterdam, New York City, Dallas, San Francisco, and in Costa Rica.

McMaster science student Shilo Davis initiated the nationwide protests through Facebook and other social media.

Parliament was to return on Monday but instead will not return until March 3. It is the second time in little more than a year that Harper has shuttered Parliament.