'More than just an American issue': Thousands protest Donald Trump in Montreal

Pussyhats pink toques with pointed cat-likeears dotted a large crowd that gathered in downtown Montreal Saturday aspart of worldwide protests against the incoming administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Several thousand people gathered outside Place-des-Artsshortly before noon, just as an estimated half-million people were doing the same in Washington, D.C.

At both protests, and at more than 600"sister marches" across the United States, Canada and dozens of other countries, the one-day old Trump administration was singled out as a threat to women's rights.

Trump's campaign promises, and past comments,have sparked fearshis administration willroll back women's rights on issues like reproduction, wage equality and domestic violence.

In Montreal, participants said they wanted to demonstrate support for women in the U.S. as well as other vulnerableminoritygroups.

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"It's important for us to show solidarity, to show what we stand for as Canadian citizens," said LindsayPeets, who waswearing apussyhat, whichhas rapidly become anemblem of resistance to Trump.

"This is more than just an American issue. I think this rally more than just showing solidarity is showing that weas Canadians stand for equal rights."

Concern about Trump's influence

Many of those at the Montreal rally expressed concern that Trump's brand of conservative populism would influencepolitics north of the border.

"The siren song of populism will be sunghereaswellas," saidlisabethVallet, a well-known professor of American studies at the UniversitduQubec Montral, whoaddressedthe crowd.

"We have to be aware that we are at risk of returning to the model that our mothers and grandmothers knew."

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EunbyulPark, who attended theprotest with her infant boy and husband, said she believes Trump's influence is already being felt in Canada in debates about immigration and identity.

"We have to stand our ground," she said.

Park added thatassomeone married to a Muslim, and the mother of a young child, she felt attending the protest was a way to helpsecure a more tolerant society.

"I really want my child to grow in a place that is very open-minded, thatrespects everybody," she said.

Turned back at border

Along with protesters inpussyhats, the crowd was filled with placards bearingslogans such as "women's rights are human rights" and "equality for all."

Dozens ofMontrealersalso headed to Washington to take part in the massive protest there, though some reported being turned back at the border.

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"The first thing he asked us point blankis, 'Are you anti- or pro-Trump?'"JosephDecunha, aMcGillUniversity physics student, told CBC about his encounter Thursday with U.S. border guards.

The Washingtonmarch was organized to coincide with weekend activities markingTrump'sinauguration. Hewas sworn in Friday as the45thpresident of the United States.

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