The Olympic torch was forced to reroute off its planned path down Commercial Drive by protesters from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Protesters say that the money spent on hosting the Olympic games could be used to create a Vancouver where programs to prevent poverty, homelessness and addictions are available.

Protesters were clear about why they were participating in the march.

"How could you not be at this protest? 10 million dollars in cuts in the Sun this morning. 10 million dollars that's what Harper came here to tell us. Ten million more cuts for the poor, ten million more cuts in housing. How could you not be here?" said protester Louise Leclair.