TORONTO, March 05, 2022–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Themed “People and Planet Before Profit: Groundbreaking Love for All,” Toronto’s annual International Women’s Day (IWD) march will be celebrated in the form of an online gathering at www.facebook.com/IWDToronto Where https://bit.ly/2022iwdtoronto.

Our rally takes people inside stories about Indigenous land defenders, healthcare and childcare heroes, and community organizing to confront extremism in our communities.

Presenting incredible stories of resistance, IWD speakers bring hope and optimism.

“So much trauma I’ve been through and so much struggle, hurt and pain – I’m optimistic and hopeful,” said Layla Staats, Mohawk, Turtle Clan of Six Nations of the Grand River. Layla was violently arrested supporting the Wet’suwet’en First Nation to preserve treaty rights and save clean water. Layla returns through the rally with a sense of hope and optimism.

We take to the streets of Toronto to see people rally in response to the growth of far-right extremist political movements. “History tells us that desperate people can be manipulated and their fear funnels them into racism…Together we will fight for social, economic, racial and climate justice,” said Andria Babbington, Chair of the Council of labor in the Toronto and York region.

We also hear from some of the people most affected by the pandemic. Emily Coulter, a personal support worker (PSW) shares what it was really like to work through the waves of COVID-19 in long-term care. “I love my job…Personal support workers and nurses are leaving the workforce in droves because of lack of respect…Bill 124 is a 1% wage freeze at all levels for healthcare workers – it does not affect the pros -benefits… You are healthcare heroes but not worth more than 1%.”

“It’s a crisis — staffing is a crisis right now,” says Amber Straker, an early childhood educator who helps parents stay on the job. Biggest challenges are rooms closed due to lack of staff. Ontario is on the verge of losing over $1 billion by the end of March of this year if a national child care agreement is not signed by the province of Ontario.

The story continues

The International Women’s Day march is one of Toronto’s most diverse events. Organized by a coalition of community groups, students and unions, and sponsored by Women Working with Immigrant Women, the event normally brings together thousands of women, men, non-binary and gender diverse people to march for the equality and justice.

For more information on the 2021 International Women’s Day event, visit www.iwdtoronto.ca. Toronto is the only city in North America with an annual IWD march every year since 1978.

See the source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220305005001/en/

contacts

Jenny Ahn, 416-271-3489
Andrea Calver, 416-434-8031