Protesters stage ‘die-in’ against pesticides in Montreal

In Montreal, protesters staged a "die-in" outside Health Canada's offices on Saturday to protest the use of pesticides. Attendees, many in costume for Halloween, aimed to emphasize the harmful effects of pesticides with a dramatic demonstration. Participants lay on the ground in front of the Guy-Favreau complex while others, dressed in white coveralls, moved through the crowd as if spraying pesticides. Children were encouraged to trace chalk outlines of supposed victims.

The protest was organized by Vigilance OGM, a group seeking to highlight what they view as "historic setbacks" by the federal government. Specifically, they are protesting a recent June legislation that permits cabinet to override Health Canada's decisions and authorize the use of banned pesticides. Similar protests were planned in several other locations across Quebec and Ottawa on the same day.