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
NDP wants Liberals to scrap proposed election date change that could secure pensions for many MPs
The federal New Democrats want to amend the Liberal government's electoral reform legislation to scrap the proposal to push back the vote by a week and consequently secure pensions for dozens of MPs, CTV News has learned.
Drive one of these vehicles? You may pay 37 per cent more than average insurance costs due to thefts
As the number of auto theft incidents rises in Canada, so have insurance premiums for drivers, even the ones whose vehicles aren't stolen.
Doug Ford suggests immigrants behind Jewish school shooting
Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested immigrants are to blame for the shooting of an empty Jewish school in Toronto over the weekend, despite police saying they have little information on the suspects.
Melanie Joly 'forward-leaning' in debate on Ukraine using NATO arms inside Russia
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is suggesting Canada would support a policy of allowing Ukraine to use NATO-provided arms inside Russia.
Fast-paced, highflying SailGP blows into Halifax for weekend competition
Ten countries, including Canada, each with teams of six sailors, are battling head-to-head on Halifax Harbour this weekend for the Canadian debut of SailGP (Grand Prix).
Donald Trump can sue niece over NY Times article, court rules
A New York state appeals court said Donald Trump can sue his niece Mary Trump for giving the New York Times information for its Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 probe into his finances and his alleged effort to avoid taxes.
Shania Twain shares how she forgave her ex-husband's cheating: 'It's his mistake'
Shania Twain recently addressed the infidelity that rocked her marriage to Robert 'Mutt' Lange, whom she divorced in 2010 after he had an affair with her friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud.
Supreme Court won't hear appeal in Montreal brainwashing experiments case
The Supreme Court of Canada will not review a Quebec ruling that bars people from suing the U.S. government in Canada over its role in notorious brainwashing experiments at a Montreal psychiatric hospital.
Teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of homeless man in downtown Toronto
One of eight teen girls charged in the death of a homeless man in downtown Toronto has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.