TORONTO - An umbrella group concerned with various social issues says it plans to protest the G8 and G20 summits because the leaders do not represent the interests of ordinary people.
Organizer Adonis El-Jamal says the governments of the countries involved are interested in saving banks, but not people's livelihoods.
The Toronto Community Mobilization Network held a news conference Thursday to discuss the issues they hope to highlight through protests and events related to the summits.
They say they will be protesting for self-determination for indigenous people, climate justice, income equity, community control over resources and migrant justice.
The G8 summit runs from June 25-26 in Huntsville, Ont., and the G20 takes place June 26-27 in Toronto.
El-Jamal says leaders should not be able to say they have achieved economic stability when their policies have led to higher unemployment, war and cuts to social services.
"How can they claim to be competent in managing the global economy when their decisions have led to the financial crisis and environmental devastation?" El-Jamal said.
Meanwhile, a group called the Human Summit Project announced its alternative approach to "conscious civil engagement" surrounding the G20 summit.
Members will hold a one-hour silent meditation in Woodbine Park in Toronto on the second day of the two-day G20 summit.
The purpose is to "remind people everywhere that they have a voice, even in silence, to effect change and to remind our leaders to account for the value of human existence," according to a news release.
