Oka joins protests against oil sands pipeline

About 300 demonstrators gathered at Oka National Parkon Saturdayto protest against the expansion of oil sands production, and pipelinesbringing the oil east from Alberta.

Rallies were held in more than 120 communities across Canada for a National Day of Action against climate change to protest Bill C-45 and C-38, which, in the opinion of the opponents, weaken environmental laws.

• 130 anti-oil sands rallies expected coast to coast

Demonstrations were organized by environmental and community groups, trade unions and indigenous communities.

Kanesatake residents said they want to stop the reversal of Enbridges Line 9B pipeline.

• Hearings underway on Line 9 pipeline project

"The oil sands are mined in Alberta territories at the expense of First Nations who live there. On top of that, they want to pass pipelines through [indigenous territories] to carry it from Alberta to Quebec, saidMlissa Mollen Dupuis, spokeswoman for the Idle No More movement in Quebec.

Mollen Dupuis said she believes the federal government needs to consult more with Aboriginal people on issues of resource extraction and transportation.

Qubec Solidaire'sAmir Khadir called Albertas oil sands "the dirtiest oil in the world.

"[The pipeline] is so hazardous that the United States did not accept it. British Columbia put regulations so high that companies will never be able to meet conditions. Yet with all the dangers, we let the oil on our territory, " he said.

• PHOTOS:Protesters arrested at anti-Enbridge pipeline rally in Montreal

Another rally took place in Montreals Old Port, as well as on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in Toronto.