The latest on climate change protests taking place across Canada today (all times eastern):

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5:30 p.m.

Thousands of protesters in Vancouver reach the final destination in their three-kilometre march from city hall, plugging West Georgia Street downtown.

One of the teens involved said it feels "so loving" to know that thousands of people across the country are marching in unity for the planet.

Others, like 11-year-old Nalia Duprat, expressed feeling "hurt" and said they "worry" about whether they'll be able to live long and healthy lives in the face of climate change.

Premier John Horgan did not participate in the march. But earlier in the day he expressed his support for Greta Thunberg (TOON'-burg) in a speech to the the Union of B.C. Municipalities, telling delegates to their convention: "If you find yourself arguing with a 16-year-old Swede about what's happening to our planet and her future, I'm fairly confident you're on the wrong side of the argument."

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4:15 p.m.

Demonstrators in Montreal chanted Greta Thunberg (TOON'-burg)'s name as the teen activist addressed the crowd following a massive march this afternoon.

Thunberg says she will continue to organize protests like those that took place around the world over the last week, until global leaders take action.

The 16-year-old also gave a speech earlier today and met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was in town to participate in the march.

She said Trudeau, like others in power, is clearly not doing enough to combat climate change.

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(Trudeau-Protester)

2:30 p.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau got a mixed response from the crowd at a climate rally in Montreal, drawing both cheers and boos from the marchers.

Soon after he joined the demonstration, Trudeau's security team tackled a man who was spotted on the sidewalk with a carton of eggs.

Half a dozen officers wrestled the man to the ground.

The prime minister walked for close to an hour overall, accompanied by his wife, Sophie and children Ella Grace and Xavier, as well as local Liberal candidates.

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(New-Brunswick-Marches)

1:40 p.m.

Hundreds of students, some carrying signs in both official languages, are on the front lawn of the New Brunswick legislature in Fredicton.

They're calling on leaders to take action on climate change and many say teen activist Greta Thunberg (TOON'-burg) was their inspiration.

One student called Thunberg, who is from Sweden, "the face of new activism."

Large crowds were also reported at rallies in Moncton and Saint John.

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1:10 p.m.

(Protest-Signs)

Some of the protesters marching in cities all over Canada today are using creative signs to get their point across.

In Ottawa, one demonstrator hoisted a placard that reads "I'm sure the dinosaurs thought they had time too," while another called for politicians to "Make Canada cold again."

A protester in Toronto carried one with an image of the Earth engulfed in flames and the message "There is no Planet B."

A group of young women in Montreal carried a sign that said, "We are skipping our lessons to teach you one."

In Halifax, someone held one that said, "The Earth should not be hotter than Harry Styles," referring to the English pop star.

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12:15 p.m.

(Marches-Underway)

Major climate change rallies are now underway in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.

The demonstration in Montreal began after a speech by teen activist Greta Thunberg (TOON'-burg) and an announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who are both taking part in the event.

In Ottawa, a crowd of protesters is stretching roughly a dozen blocks in the city's downtown, as hundreds of cars idle nearby waiting for the marchers to pass.

A rally in Toronto has filled a park outside the Ontario legislature, with protesters chanting "System change, not climate change."

Earlier, thousands of marchers gathered outside the Halifax headquarters of Nova Scotia Power chanting "Climate action now!"

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11:50 a.m.

(Trudeau)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has thanked Greta Thunberg (TOON'-burg) for mobilizing so many people, particularly young people, around climate change.

The Liberal leader was asked about his meeting with the 16-year-old activist during a news conference in Montreal today.

Trudeau -- who has faced criticism for his government's purchase of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline project -- says he agrees with Thunberg that Ottawa needs to do more for the environment.

He's made a series of announcements this week aimed at reducing emissions, protecting oceans and encouraging conservation.

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11:05 a.m.

(Thunberg-Trudeau)

Teenage activist Greta Thunberg (TOON'-burg) has met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Montreal, where they are both set to join in a climate march at noon.

Thunberg says she delivered the same message to Trudeau that she gives to all politicians -- that he needs to listen to the science and act on it.

She adds the prime minister has a lot of responsibility and is -- quote -- "obviously not doing enough," but also stresses she's focused on the bigger picture rather than the actions of any single leader.

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10:57 a.m.

(Greta-Thunberg)

Greta Thunberg (TOON'-burg), the teenage climate activist who spurred today's global action, says it's moving to see so many people united "for one common cause."

Thunberg, who hails from Sweden, spoke at a rally in Montreal and is expected to take part in a march there at noon.

She says the protests have been very successful so far, calling it -- quote -- "a very good day."

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and Green Leader Elizabeth May are also both expected to join the Montreal event.

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10:37 a.m.

(Toronto-March)

Demonstrators are arriving at the Ontario legislature, where a protest is scheduled to begin at 11 a-m.

People hoisting signs are setting up camp on the lawn in front of Queen's Park, with more trickling in.

Others are drawing a mural on the pavement.

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10:19 a.m.

(Halifax-March)

In Halifax, hundreds of people -- including large groups of students from Dartmouth High School -- have gathered in Victoria Park for the protest.

Several attendees say having the day off from school made it easier to take part in the march.

Seventeen-year-old Julia Sampson, who helped organize the event, says she's looking for specific policy changes, including major increases in provincial aid to promote green energy and the inclusion of climate change science in the school curriculum.

The Halifax march's route is expected to wind through the centre of the city to the headquarters of Nova Scotia Power, where some of those participating planned to participate in a so-called "die-in."

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9:49 a.m.

(Stores-Closing)

Several retailers are closing for at least part of the day to allow their employees to take part in climate protests today.

Mountain Equipment Co-op says its stores will be closed until 5 p-m to support staff who "choose to lend their voice to the movement."

Lush Cosmetics, which focuses on natural hair and beauty products, says it's shutting down its Canadian shops, factories and offices, as well as its online store, in solidarity.

And the Ottawa chain Bridgehead says its coffeehouses will close from 11:30 a-m to 2:30 p-m local time-- when the march is set to take place.

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9:47 a.m.

(Newfoundland-March)

A crowd has gathered at Memorial University's clock tower in St. John's, with some demonstrators holding signs denouncing Newfoundland and Labrador's oil extraction industry.

Students at the university were offered "academic amnesty" for any absences today, and the province's English school district has said students would be excused from class with a guardian's permission.

Metrobus, the city's public transit system, is offering free rides between 10 a-m and 2 p-m to accommodate participation in the climate strike.

The march in St. John's is set to make its way to the provincial legislature on Confederation Hill.

Another protest is planned on the west coast of Newfoundland, from Memorial's Grenfell Campus to city hall in Corner Brook.

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(The Latest by The Canadian Press)

News from © The Canadian Press, 2019