Oxfam got an early start on G8 & G20 protests in Toronto

Toronto - Oxfam and other organizations are calling for G8 and G20 to be dismantled. Oxfam was also asking for investments in clean energy, and for the wealthier nations to remember their commitments to reduce global poverty.

The noon-hour protest was held outside of Union Station in downtown Toronto Thursday reported the Toronto Sun. Oxfam Canada's head, Robert Fox, said "The message of Oxfam's protest is "Invest in the Future Now." A number of the protesters slathered themselves with oil and held signs asking for investments in clean energy for all nations of the world while a person wearing a large Stephen Harper head danced in the streets of Toronto Thursday. Protest participants handed out fake one billion dollar bills to people as a way to protest the costs of hosting the summit, which stand at over $1 billion thus far. An Oxfam representative said

"What we are trying to do is engage people's imaginations and have them really think about them, and so what we're doing is handing out one billion dollar bills."

The protest was the first of many to come in Toronto in the next week leading up to the G20 summit which takes place June 26th. The one common thread of the protests this year is that organizations want the exclusive G8 and G20 clubs dismantled. Oxfam said it would be active for the next week long

"... to remind rich countries of their promises, urging them to set us on the right course for the future now on climate change, poverty, and the global economy."

Oxfam will beheading to Huntsville to make statements there using giant heads, then will return to Toronto. The organization, which "works with people to secure their basic human rights" also has scheduled some special events for Toronto. The peaceful protest caught the attention of Reuters, who reiterated the travel warning the United States issued for travellers headed to Toronto. CBC News reported that about 30 people had been involved in the protest. The Toronto Community Mobilization Network opened its "Convergence Space" in Toronto Thursday evening. The People's Summit got started Friday in Toronto with a press conference that caused consternation for some media sources, such as the Associated Press, who reported that the People's Summit organizers would not denounce violent protests. However, organizers have called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to refrain from using agents provocateurs, CBC News reported. During the three-day People's Summit, participants will discuss global issues, such as the environment and social justice. There will also be other workshops presented for participants, intended to help people navigate their way through the protests safely. The AP zeroed in on a workshop called "Direct Action Trainings" and another called "Digitally Mediated Surveillance." The People's Summit opens Friday evening with Stories and Solutions from North and South, which starts at 6:30 pm.