Toronto Freedom Festival

History

In 2007, the Toronto Freedom Festival (TFF) was developed to offer the necessary infrastructure for the 9th Global Marijuana March (GMM) that launches just north of Queen's Park. Toronto’s march is largest of over 200 participating cities, attracting over 20,000 people each year and garnering international media attention. The Festival is 100% independently funded. Our revenues come exclusively from our 75+ exhibitors, limited event sponsor support, minimal event purchases, and donations from supporters/attendees.

TFF has peacefully taken place in Queen’s Park North on the first Saturday in May. It has featured musicians, DJ’s, comedians, visual artists, political activists and speakers gathering peacefully in celebration of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. TFF is the city’s largest FREE one-day, outdoor spring festival attracting around 30,000 people. The event has always been a peaceful celebration, without an arrest in its history, and an estimated positive 3.5 million dollar impact on the city’s economy.

2010

One of our members (Jack Morawetz) recommended at a Pub Night that the Party might find a lot of supporters here, since no other Party is in favour of legalizing marijuana. Jim McIntosh attended and observed. He learned that the Party could get a free booth if we provide a speaker for their speakers stage.

2011

TFF Organizers learned in January that their permit had been revoked by Toronto and East York District Parks. Initially this news came as a surprise, and months later, a plan was developed to keep the Festival at the park for another year. The plan appeased the concerns of City and Park officials, community stakeholders, and those raised by the Global Marijuana March who rely on the Festival‘s infrastructure.

One of the concession they made to get the permit was to eliminate the Speaker Stage. The Main Stage featured speakers such as Dana Larsen, Jacob Hunter, Jodie (or Marc) Emery, and many more.

By the time we learned this issue was resolved it was too late to get a booth. In fact, the old arrangement of a free booth in exchange for a apeaker my not have been available. However, Jim designed and printed a 100 pamphlets featuring our position on drugs. He and Phil attended and handed out the pamphlet to groups (usually sitting on the ground enjoying a toke). We were well received.

2012

The web site does not have any update since the 2011 festival, so the status is unknown. Jim sent an email inquiring about the status. The reply from Gabe Simms said, "We will be having an event on May 5th. Our focus will be on the global marijuana march elements more than in the past. We still await some administrative approvals but hope to release details by months end. I would welcome your participation and am happy to explore further options once we lock down our particulars. We Appreciate your interest and look forward to your inclusion this Spring!"

(Saturday May 5 is the day before our planned annual BBQ.)

Our participation should include;

• The OPH kit and Banner for the booth
• A Marijuana-specific brochure to hand out
• Someone to speak on Speakers' or Main Stage, assuming that is still on