Though they live far, Montrealers wanted their U.S. neighbours to know they are standing with them.
Several hundred people marched through downtown Montreal streets on Saturday, demanding for stricter gun control in the U.S. and Canada.
The event started at Cabot Square and made its way to the U.S. consulate.
WATCH: Montreal marches for stricter gun control
Parkland resident, Ellen Gozansky, whose children attend Marjory Stoneman Douglas, joined Montrealers in their rally.
READ MORE: Why we’re marching: Montreal’s connection to the Parkland shooting
She said seeing how many people came out to support her community is overwhelming.
“It is really a worldwide issue and I’m so amazed and overwhelmed,” she said. “We have over 800 sister marches and it’s just amazing support.”
Stoneman Douglas graduate Debra Desmettre, who now lives in Montreal, agrees that the more people speak out, the more hope it gives her that something will change.
READ MORE: March for our Lives: Tens of thousands take to streets across U.S. to support gun control
“This raises awareness and I think this will continue,” said Desmettre. “I don’t think this is the end, it’s just the beginning.”
The call for change is coming from people old and young.
Parents who brought their small children to the march say it’s vital for young ones to make their voices heard.
“It’s very hard to explain a school shooting to kids and it’s very emotional in our house when we have explained to them what happened, especially with our young ones,” said Montreal resident Jesse Purpas. “But we want them to know that political activism is important, especially for issues that you care about.”
Down the street, 11-year-old Lexington Vickery, from Roslyn Elementary School, organized a march that weaved through Westmount and made its way to Dawson College.
READ MORE: Montreal 11-year-old plans march in support of Florida school shooting survivors
Young students from all over Montreal gathered to support the cause.
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