If you saw a group of demonstrators walking backward up the main street Wednesday, rest assured time is not going in reverse.
But that’s how the protesters feel about the direction the province is heading.
A group of about 18 people took part in the May Day Procession and Forum, organized by the grassroots group Orillia for Democracy, to air their grievances about various policies they see as regressive for the province.
They rallied at the Island Princess before walking backward up Mississaga Street to the Orillia Public Library, where they held an open discussion.
“This government’s cutting everything that I care most about,” said Howard Raper, who came from Brechin to take part. “I have great-grandchildren who are starting school. They’re cutting education.”
He said one of his great-grandchildren has autism and he is concerned about the province’s changes to funding.
Those weren’t Raper’s only concerns. He also lamented the loss of the inter-library loan system, which allowed libraries to share material to be loaned to visitors.
“The only books we can get now are in that tiny library in Brechin,” he said.
Tshweu Moleme accused Premier Doug Ford of doing the opposite of what he promised when he was campaigning.
“The premier has said he was for the people, but since he’s been in office, he’s done nothing but hurt the people,” he said.
An increase in the average class size and the resulting layoffs of teachers struck a nerve with Jeannine Hutty.
She was baffled by the government’s announcement of additional funding aimed at preventing teacher layoffs, a statement that was made after school boards began issuing layoff notices.
“It’s realizing you’ve done something wrong and now you’re eating humble pie,” she said.
The government has used the province’s deficit to justify many of its funding cuts, but Liz Dunn feels those cuts will do more harm than good for every Ontarian.
“If all you care about is the bottom line, you better pay attention,” she said. “You’re going to be affected, too.”
After the demonstrators voiced their complaints, Jacob Kearey-Moreland asked, “So, what do we do about it?”
“Take action,” one person responded.
“Vote in the next election,” said another.
Annalise Stenekes had a message for the small crowd that took part: Don’t stop demonstrating.
“It’s easy to feel dejected,” she said, after hearing car horns honking in support during the march as well as “Doug Ford rocks” from one passerby.
“I keep reminding myself that only 40 per cent of people in Ontario asked for this, and that’s only 40 per cent of people who voted.”
While at the library, about half of the demonstrators decided to walk the block to Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop’s office. However, it was her staff who received an earful, as Dunlop was at Queen’s Park.
Information about upcoming events and demonstrations will be posted to the Orillia for Democracy Facebook page.
