The march in Toronto

Kathy Sesto — October 1983

The October 22 “Refuse the Cruise” protest in Toronto should be one of the largest disarmament demonstrations ever held in the city says David Kraft, one of the members of the October 22 Campaign, which is organising the event. “We’re hoping for tens of thousands of people.”

In Toronto, the October 22 campaign is being co-sponsored by the Toronto Disarmament Network (TDN) and the Against Cruise Testing Coalition (ACT). These organizations which include individuals and groups involved in disarmament, labour, women’s and student activities. started organising for this international day of protest in May of this year.

“Disarmament and abortion. are our two most pressing issues,” says Susan Prentice of International Women’s Day Committee. The IWDC will promote support for the march through the many contacts developed through its 5 years of existence.

“We see our role as one of ongoing support,” says Dave Martin, student organiser with Toronto Nuclear Awareness. According to Martin TNA is recruiting people for the march both on and off the student campuses.

“There isn’t an anti-nuclear group in the city that isn’t involved,” Kraft says. He notes that over 50 groups will be involved in the international day of protest.

In Toronto, Oct. 22 protestors will gather at 10:30 on University Avenue north of Queen Street and will march to Queen’s Park at 11 :30. A benefit dance will be held on the night of the march at the St. Lawrence Market north. It will be licensed and will begin at 8:00 pm.

The Peace Calendar

Canadian Disarmament Information Service, 1983-1984

The march in Toronto