Montreal’s streets echoed with the passionate voices of our youth yesterday as hundreds of students marched through Westmount demanding urgent climate action. The demonstration, organized by local student environmental groups, transformed our normally quiet residential streets into a vibrant display of activism.
“We’re tired of empty promises,” explained Sophie Tremblay, 17, a student organizer from Westmount High School. “Our generation will inherit this planet, and we deserve better than political lip service.”
The march began at Westmount Park around 11 a.m., with participants ranging from elementary school children to university students. Many carried handmade signs with powerful messages like “There is No Planet B” and “Act Now or Swim Later” – their creativity matching their conviction.
What struck me most while covering this event was the remarkable bilingualism of these young activists. Chants seamlessly flowed between French and English, a beautiful reflection of Montreal’s unique cultural identity and a reminder that environmental concerns transcend linguistic boundaries.
The timing of yesterday’s protest coincides with the city’s recent announcement of expanded climate initiatives, which many activists have criticized as insufficient. Montreal has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030, but several environmental groups argue this target falls short of what science demands.
“These students are absolutely right to be concerned,” Dr. Martin Cohen, environmental science professor at McGill University, told me. “The climate crisis is accelerating faster than our response. Their activism is not just admirable – it’s necessary.”
Local reaction to the demonstration was mixed. Several Westmount residents joined the march in solidarity, while others expressed frustration about traffic disruptions. Chez Maurice, a popular café on Sherbrooke Street, offered free hot chocolate to the young protesters despite the unseasonably warm November weather.
The demonstration culminated at Westmount City Hall, where student representatives delivered a list of demands to municipal officials. Their requests included more ambitious emission targets, increased investment in public transportation, and climate education integration into school curricula at all levels.
What made this protest different from others I’ve covered was the impressive organization. Student marshals in bright vests ensured safety throughout, medical volunteers were stationed at regular intervals, and the entire route was meticulously cleaned afterward – a powerful demonstration that these young environmentalists practice what they preach.
Mayor Christina Smith met briefly with student representatives. “I’m inspired by these young people,” she stated afterward. “Their passion reminds us that climate decisions made today will shape their tomorrow. We hear their concerns and are committed to addressing them.”
This isn’t the first climate demonstration Montreal has seen, but there’s something particularly poignant about watching our city’s youngest citizens fight for their future. As I observed them marching, I couldn’t help reflecting on how much has changed since my own school days, when climate change was merely a footnote in science textbooks rather than an existential threat demanding urgent action.
Montreal has a rich history of student activism, from the Quiet Revolution to today’s climate movement. Yesterday’s demonstration connects to this proud tradition while addressing perhaps the most critical challenge of our time.
The Montreal Police Service reported no incidents during the protest, estimating the crowd at approximately 800 participants. Officers maintained a visible but unobtrusive presence throughout the event.
For many students, yesterday wasn’t just about skipping classes – schools including Westmount High and Selwyn House incorporated the protest into their curriculum, assigning reflection papers and discussion groups about civic engagement and environmental responsibility.
“This isn’t just a day off school,” explained Lucas Hernandez, 16. “This is our education. We’re learning how to stand up for what matters, how to organize, how to make our voices heard.”
As our city continues debating climate policies and environmental regulations, these students have made it clear they’ll be watching closely – an
