February 21, 2020

STRIKING TEACHERS JOIN CLIMATE MUSKOKA DEMONSTRATORS TODAY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Public protests took over the main intersection here today at noon as striking teachers united in “solidarity” with Climate Muskoka demonstrators.

Amid a constant honking of horns, the corner of Bay Street and Muskoka Road was filled with dozens of placard-wearing and waving protesters calling for provincial and federal action on education and the environment.

The high school and elementary teachers, who stuck out uptown leaving the relative obscure anonymity of their school grounds for the glare of main street, were warmly welcomed and metaphorically embraced by a dozen Climate Muskoka supporters in front of the post office.

“It’s a more public place,” said Climate spokesperson Sue McKenzie, who invited the teachers to join them at their fifth weekly Friday protest in Gravenhurst. Similar Huntsville and Bracebridge protests have taken place Fridays since November.

The unity movement saw them shouting and rallying to “support kids.”

McKenzie said she wished MPP Norm Miller would speak up more for both causes.

She said Climate Muskoka has been very active this week and making progress on its front urging the District of Muskoka to declare a “climate emergency.”