Celebrity Joaquin Phoenix joins Burlington vigil for activist Regan Russell at Fearmans slaughterhouse
It was a day like many others that Mark Powell has spent, so often, in front of Fearman's slaughterhouse in Burlington, protesting Bill 156, trying to comfort the pigs in the trucks, raising awareness of animal rights and, since June, holding vigil for his late wife Regan Russell.
Regan, a longtime animal activist, was killed in that very same spot, at the gates of the plant, by a pig transport truck that ran her over.
A day like many others, except that on this morning, a man in a back mask and dark sunglasses crossed the road - average looking guy. He came up to Powell and said, How's it going? I just wanted to come and see you today."
It was Joaquin Phoenix, the famous Academy Award-winning actor and animal rights advocate. He was there to stand shoulder to shoulder with Powell, to share the vigil with him, to support, to protest and to affirm a common cause with the movement but mostly with the animals being taken to their deaths.
Phoenix joined local Toronto activists, including Regan's husband Mark Powell, to pay his respects and to peacefully bear witness to pigs arriving at Fearmans.
Regan Russell spent the final moments of her life providing comfort to pigs who had never experienced the touch of a kind hand," Phoenix said in a statement in June. While her tragic death has brought upon deep sorrow in the Animal Save community, we will honour her memory by vigorously confronting the cruelties she fought so hard to prevent by marching with Black Lives, protecting Indigenous rights, fighting for LGBTQ equality, and living a compassionate vegan life.
The Ontario government can attempt to silence us with the passage of its Ag-Gag bill - Bill 156 - but we will never go away and we will never back down."
Ontario's ag-gag" Bill 156 specifically prohibits efforts to stop, obstruct, hinder or otherwise interfere with a motor vehicle transporting farm animals," a direct aim at Toronto Pig Save's peaceful vigils. An increase in aggressive behaviour from the animal agriculture industry and certain truckers toward animal rights activists, both online and at vigils" has happened since the passage of 156, said Anita Krajnc, co-founder of Animal Save Movement.
Before she died, Regan Russell would protest in front of Fearmans and comfort the pigs every Sunday. She had done so for years, joining many others making their stand. But on the day she died she was there specifically to protest Bill 156.
Today about 10 of us, the usual suspects, were out there," said Powell, after Phoenix's visit. And then he joined us. We had great conversations. His words are so beautiful. He stayed with us for more than two hours. He has such empathy for the movement and sympathy for our family."
Phoenix drove himself in from Toronto, said Powell, where his wife is shooting a movie. No security entourage, no black cars or media. Just Joaquin. He parked in the Tim Hortons across the street and walked over."
At the end of his visit Phoenix stood in front of the Regan Russell banner at the vigil and said for a sound clip to be used by the movement: I am Joaquin Phoenix and I'm here to honour Regan Russell."
Joaquin was always a big deal in our house," says Powell. Long before any of this. Regan loved him. As an actor. As an advocate." And now? Moreso than ever.
The visit was not a total surprise to Powell. The night before he had been apprised of the possibility.
Said Powell: My son Josh (a fierce and eloquent advocate for Regan Russell) asked me, Dad, are you going to the vigil tomorrow?' I said. I'm thinking about it.' (He usually goes to the weekly Friday vigil.) And Josh said, Well, think harder.'" He had heard through the pig advocacy and animal rights communities that Phoenix might be there.
And he was. There, where it counted.
Jeff Mahoney is a Hamilton-based reporter and columnist covering culture and lifestyle stories, commentary and humour for The Spectator. Reach him via email: jmahoney@thespec.com