Encampment in support of Palestinians sets up on the University of Manitoba campus
Tuesday's downpour didn't stop demonstrators from setting up camp on the University of Manitoba campus.
“We are thinking of setting up tents here for folks who want to stay overnight,” said protest spokesperson Zahra who did not provide media with her full name.
The pro-Palestinian protesters are prepared for a multi-day encampment - similar to others seen across Canada and the U.S.
It's a response to Israel’s retaliation following an attack by Hamas militants on October 7.
"We have the full intention to have a peaceful sit-in, and there should be no need for policing, for extreme violence,” said protester Victoria Romero.
The organizers have outlined a list of demands.
"The first item on that list is privacy protective measures," said Zahra
Other asks include creating a course on Palestinian identity, and a public statement of support.
"The university and University of Manitoba Student Union must divest permanently from any companies or institutions complicit in genocide, oppression, and discrimination against Palestinians and their allies."
Protesters say all of their calls to action are achievable.
"Addressing these issues head-on will not only create a more inclusive campus environment, but will also set a powerful precedent that the university is dedicated to standing by principles of equity and human rights."
However, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CJIA) calls the demands “aggressive" and "one-sided."
"That’s when you start singling out people, creating and fostering an environment that is not welcoming; all of the things that we look to universities to deliver for our students,” said CIJA’s Gustavo Zentner.
Meantime the university said it's reviewing the group's requests.
"An offer has been made in terms of meeting with the organizers to discuss the demands," said Brandy Usick, the executive director of student engagement and success at the University of Manitoba.
While the university couldn't provide a date or time for that meeting, protesters say they'll stay as long as it takes - rain or shine.
"We don't have any plans of leaving or stopping. We're going to keep going as long as we need to,” said Zahra.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING NEWS 'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'
French security forces work to regain control of airport highway in violence-scorched New Caledonia
Using armoured vehicles and backhoes to shove aside charred barricades, French security forces worked Sunday to retake control of the highway to the international airport in violence-scorched New Caledonia, shuttered because of deadly unrest wracking the French Pacific archipelago where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
Signs of Alzheimer’s were everywhere. Then his brain improved
Blood biomarkers of telltale signs of early Alzheimer’s disease in the brain of his patient, 55-year-old entrepreneur Simon Nicholls, had all but disappeared in a mere 14 months.
Helicopter carrying Iran's hard-line president apparently crashes in foggy, mountainous region
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday, sparking a massive rescue operation in a fog-shrouded forest as the public was urged to pray.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.