Torontonians meet to discuss keeping Trump-style politics out of Canada

By Faiza Amin

On the day the United States swears in a new president, a group of Torontonians are planning for what they call a ‘One Solution Revolution’.

“It ultimately means average people like you and me taking control over our destiny for the first time,” Jennie, an organizer with FightBack, tells CityNews. “We often know politics that’s done to people, but in revolutionary situation it’s when the masses come in front and take control.”

In an auditorium inside Ryerson University Friday night, a coalition, including organizers FightBack, held a town hall to discuss exactly what the movement that would keep Trump’s politics out of Canada, would look like.

“It’s becoming a boiling point for people to say that’s not the system I want, that’s not the future or direction we want to go in,” said Jennie.

One hour into the meeting, the fire alarm inside the Ryerson Library Building started to go off, temporarily halting that discussion. Firefighters on the scene tell CityNews, it was pulled intentionally.

Once back in, speakers took to the mic, saying the Trump-style politics, which they describe as sexist, racist and homophobic, is a threat to Canadian values.

“It’s not going to work, I’m afraid of us going down the same path as the U.S.,” attendee Ben Pekar explains.

With the conservative leadership up for grabs in Canada, FightBack says their ‘One Solution Revolution’ aims to put a plan in motion, one that could change how a leader is elected.

“What’s the alternative, how do we build it, and how do we make it possible,” Jennie said.

Ideas flowed from attendees all night long, but no set decision was made by the end of the meeting and not everyone walked out agreeing with the notion that a revolution is the answer.

“I’m hearing just a lot of vague talk about organize, but organize how and organize to do what?” Peter Howe said, adding that this approach is unrealistic and extreme. “If we’re going to stop that from coming here, if that’s truly the point of this, let’s come up with real solutions.”

Trump supporters weren’t too far away. Aedan O’Connor says she’s been walking around the city all day, wearing the American flag colours, with a sign that read ‘God Bless Trump and the U.S.A.’, and a homemade ‘Make America Great Again’ hat.

“It’s okay to be a conservative, there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” she explains. “I’ve gotten a lot of people who came up to me, and say good for you but I’m afraid.”

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