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
PWHL Minnesota defeats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.