The Ottawa rally was the latest in a series of Friday evening protests taking place across the province at MPP's constituency offices. The protests are a response to the passage of Bill 115 on September 11th which stripped education professionals of their collective bargaining rights, and more recently the introduction of a draft bill aiming to do the same to another half-million public sector employees in the province.

Outside the convention centre protesters marched, showed off their sign creations, and clogged Colonel By Drive--causing Ottawa Police to close the street for safety reasons.  Meanwhile inside the building, party faithful were shown what a new coalition of supporters might look like now that the Grits' traditional base of public sector workers has been alienated.  

Protesters at the Ontario Liberal Party AGM line Colonel By Drive in Ottawa

Upon hearing of the Premier being reaffirmed as party leader by 85.8% of meeting delegates, President Hammond tweeted "McGuinty could have received a 100% endorsement - won't change his 20% 3rd place standing [in the polls]!"

ETFO members march to Attorney General John Gerretsen's office in Kingston

Meanwhile in other communities across the province local ETFO, OSSTF, and CUPE leaders; their members; and other supporters continued the regular Friday constituency office protests to send a message to the government and to the people of Ontario that it is not acceptable to abolish the fundamental rights of working people.

Rallies were held in Toronto at Minister Glen Murray's office (Training, Colleges and Universities), in Kingston at Attorney General John Gerretsen's office, in London at Health Minister Deb Matthews' office, and in Sudbury at Minister Rick Bartolucci's office (Northern Development and Mines).

On Twitter, President Hammond thanked local leaders and members for continuing the fight: "Thanks to all who attended rallies...Special thanks to local leaders. Great show of solidarity for democracy!"