Montrealers took to the streets Saturday afternoon to denounce the federal government’s decision to backtrack on its promise to change the way Canadians elect their government.
Electoral reform was a key promise during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election campaign.
Demonstrators gathered at the Jarry metro station at 2 p.m. before setting off towards Trudeau’s constituency office on Crémazie Boulevard East.
Organizers say the government reneged on its promise because the Liberal Party would be disadvantaged by a proportional system of representation.
Trudeau defended his decision, arguing that such a system could put the country’s national security at risk.
WATCH BELOW: Trudeau on electoral reform
Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP MP for Rosemont, was invited to speak at the rally.
On a post on his Facebook page, Boulerice encouraged supporters to continue the fight against what he considers “political cynicism,” adding that 93,000 people have signed an online petition calling on the government keep its promise.
READ MORE: Trudeau called a ‘liar,’ the ‘most cynical’ of politicians for ditching electoral reform promise
Several cities across Canada hosted similar protests in what is being called a “National Day of Action for Electoral Reform.”
— With files from the Canadian Press