Protest for Public Inquiry into Toronto G20 Summit

The loss of our rights and freedoms that happened during the G20 Summit held in Toronto during the month of June 2010 was especially noticeable with the mass searches, detentions, arrests and violence that took place during the gathering of select world leaders. A number of people would like a public inquiry into the events that led to such police actions and on Saturday, January 8, 2011 and so they gathered at Queens Park to press forward their request. 

The numbers were relatively small and while they gathered on University Street at the foot of the provincial legislature they soon decided to march along Toronto's streets and headed off with a large contingent of police providing escort and traffic safety duty. The key destination was to be the Toronto Police Headquarters to call for the Chief's removal and then to return to Queens Park.

I think that not a lot of people are behind the G20 protesters or their call for a public inquiry. Many voices seem to think that those who were protesting deserved the loss of freedom and whatever else happened to them at the hands of the police. I do know that it was only through the public and media documentation in pictures and video that have helped to right some of the wrongs suffered by so many and also hopefully catch many of the black bloc protesters that caused so much damage.

Doug helps to coordinate the protest march details with the police.

Press for Truth's Dan Dicks at Queens Park to document the ongoing G20 Summit fallout. His G20 coverage documented much of the activities that showed the attack on the public's rights and freedoms that occurred during the summit.

Cheri DiNovo, MPP for ParkDale - High Park addresses the crowd and reporters on the front lawn of Queens Park. She calls for an inquiry to "hold those people accountable".

Cheri DiNovo, MPP

Courtney Winkels (right and below) made famous for her confrontation with "Officer Bubbles" attends the protest and provides plenty of bubbles during the day. She of course blew bubbles during the weekend of the G20 Summit and the police constable threatened her with arrest for assault if one of the bubbles touched him.

See more photos of the protest and the march through the streets of Toronto with a stop at Toronto Police Headquarters - after the jump.

Protesters head north on Yonge Street.

Protesters temporarily occupy the intersection of Yonge and College Streets.

A large contingent of protesters wanted Police Chief Bill Blair to resign. The group marched through the streets to deliver the message right to the headquarters of the Toronto Police Department.

Heading back into Queens Park.

The police escort as the protest march gets close to Yonge Dundas.

Toronto Bike Police bicycles help to form a barrier at the entrance to the legislature.

"Officer Bubbles"

One of the most surprising turn of events arising out of the whole G20 weekend was the saga of Police Constable Adam Josephs who became known as "Officer Bubbles". Overly stern he was roasted for saying he would arrest a protester named Courtney Winkels who was blowing bubbles "If a bubble touches me, you're going to be arrested for assault."

With so many cameras on hand it was not surprising that the episode was filmed and put up on YouTube. Soon cartoons appeared on the net making fun of the whole bubble situation. The officer soon launched a lawsuit against YouTube, the cartoons and those that made comments about the officer.

I ran into Constable Josephs on Friday, June 25 during the gathering of protesters and marchers in Allan Gardens Park and before he became famous. It's also the first time that I saw members of the Black Bloc hiding behind their large banners.

You can tell they were members of the violent Black Bloc because of their distinctive all black outfits and the headgear which covered their anarchist faces. You have to be careful though because not everyone wearing all black, including masks, are bad guys. And some people actually have unusual last names like "Nobody".

G20 Law resulted in "Massive Violations of Civil Rights"

Riot police, including mounted units, block University Avenue during the G20 Summit.

Ontario Ombudsman finds "massive violations of civil rights" by police during the G20 Summit which started with the Toronto Police request for the regulation in the Public Works Protection Act. The Ontario Government led by Premior Dalton McGuinty acted upon their request. The potential for trouble was compounded by the Ministry's decision not to publicize the regulation, the Toronto Police miscommunication and misinterpretations of the regulation and the police forces' apparent zeal to curb civil rights in Toronto to "keep the criminals out". The Ombudsman also found that the regulation was providing "war measures" in peacetime. I applaud Ontario's Ombudsman Andre Marin for his review and finding and am glad that we have in place such an office that is allowed to review and make public such a report.

Chief Bill Blair's handling of the Adam Nobody issue also seems to continue shocking misinformation that has come out of the police on many of the G20 Summit problems. These statements include allegations that rubber bullets weren't used by police and that seized weapons the police displayed were all from the G20 protesters. The National Post had an article entitled Bill Blair's trouble with the truth.

I was also dismayed to find that a few police seemed to have removed their nametags and engaged in alleged excessive force against two men. Nearly 100 police were found to have removed their nametags and will be disciplined according to this article.

I wish the massive amounts of fully equipped riot police would have arrested the few people damaging property during the protests. Heaven help us when they react this way for approximately 100 black bloc yahoos.