Article content

Thousands of Montrealers marched in solidarity with Paris on Sunday, making their way to the French consulate downtown and standing in silence around the candles, flags and flowers that have been collecting there since Friday.

Children had their faces painted in blue, white and red, and adults waved French flags as they followed politicians — Mayor Denis Coderre had announced the march on Saturday — toward the consulate. Some cried and others embraced, all saying it’s important for Montreal to show support for Paris after Friday’s deadly attacks that killed at least 129 people.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Thousands in Montreal march in solidarity with Paris Back to video

“We will not cede to intimidation,” Coderre told the crowd to loud applause, breaking the silence that was held throughout the march. “We will protect our values of democracy and freedom, and form a common front against hate and intolerance.”

France’s consul general in Montreal, Catherine Feuillet, walked alongside Coderre.

“We are very moved and very proud of the solidarity shown by Montrealers today,” she said. “They showed the same solidarity after the horror of the massacres that took place at Charlie Hebdo.”

“When normal citizens, going about their lives on terraces or in concert halls, are involved, Montrealers show solidarity and defend the same values: tolerance and the capacity to live together in peace.”

Feuillet said the initial shock of the attacks is now giving way to defiance.