From London to New York to Winnipeg, demonstrators took to the streets Saturday for versions of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
The grassroots protest movement that has swept across the United States has crossed the border. Saturday, Canadians gathered to demonstrate against social inequality and corporate greed.
"I believe in economic and social justice," said Cheryl Sobie, a participant in the Occupy Winnipeg march. "I think the way things are going in the world, the gap between the rich and the poor is growing."
A few hundred gathered at the Manitoba Legislature Saturday to take part in the anti-corporate rally inspired by Occupy Wall Street in the United States a few weeks ago.
"One per cent of our population is controlling 99 per cent of the wealth," explained the Winnipeg organizer of the march, Aimee Siple. "That doesn't make any sense we need to come together to actually discuss the problems."
The movement has sparked demonstrations around the world. In Rome, things turned violent and some demonstrators began setting fires to vehicles and smashing windows.
Back in Canada, hundreds gathered in Toronto. Protests were also held in Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary.
In Winnipeg, the event was peaceful. Some, like farmer Fred Tait drove over an hour to take part. "All our net income comes from farm employment and government programs," he said. "The corporations have taken everything else we've ever produced."
The movements are coming at a time of economic uncertainty. According to a local political scientist, people are frustrated with the government and are coming together to express their disappointment.
"It's the new era where people are less differential to politicians," said Paul Thomas a local political scientist. "They won't accept the politicians' word on a lot of things. They want evidence things will change, and change for the better."
-With a report from CTV's Ina Sidhu
