Protesters demand Canada open borders to Syrian refugees

Hundreds of protesters gathered downtown Friday night, chanting “no one is illegal” and calling on Canada to open its borders to Syrian refugees.

The protest began at Yonge-Dundas Square and made its way to Yonge and Queen Streets, where many sat on the road and blocked the busy intersection.

Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland was among those marching.

“It really is a tragedy and I think a national shame that we have done such a poor job and welcomed so few Syrian refugees in this crisis,” Freeland said.

“My mother was born in a refugee camp in Europe and I’m here because a generous Canada welcomed my family here,” she added.

Freeland pointed out that her party has proposed that Canada take in 25,000 Syrian refugees, while the NDP and Conservatives have committed to taking far fewer.

NDP candidates Jennifer Hollett and Olivia Chow also attended the protest and shared photos on their Twitter accounts.