Thousands gather in Montreal to walk in solidarity with Paris

Extended: Coderre’s message We're sending a strong message that shoulder to shoulder that we're all together.

Thousands upon thousands of Montrealers walked in solidarity with the people of Paris Sunday, gathering in droves to show their support in the wake of terrorist attacks.

Dignitaries including Mayor Denis Coderre, Heritage Minister Melanie Joly, PQ leader Pierre Karl Peladeau, CAQ leader Francois Legault, and federal and  provincial politicians were in the crowd of regular Montrealers, all expressing their grief, but also their resolve.

"We won't give them an inch, for those who try to get rid of our way of life. It's all about freedom, it's all about democracy and there's no way that we're going to let anybody come against us," said Coderre. "We're sending a strong message that shoulder to shoulder we're all together and we're all in it together."

The walk began at 10 a.m. at the  Quartier des spectacles and ended at the French Consulate on McGill College, where a growing pile of flowers lay in tribute to the many slain and injured.

"Montrealers have been at our side from the first second. We are deeply affected by the solidarity that we have witnessed," said French Consul General Catherine Feuillet. "That's the best proof that we are united to fight against violence. For nothing, innocent lives have been destroyed and we will fight united against this kind of life."

A second rally organized by the French Consulate was held at 11 a.m. at the cenotaph at Place du Souvenir Francais on Papineau Ave.

The group sang the French national anthem and held a moment of silence.

Wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument.