Montreal protesters stage a die-in against pesticides outside Health Canada's offices

Participants, many in Halloween costumes, lay on the ground in front of the Guy-Favreau complex while others in white coveralls pretended to spray pesticides. Organizers placed a cardboard coffin and tombstones bearing the names of diseases in front of the building.

And us?

Thibault Rehn of the group Vigilance OGM says the protest calls out "historic setbacks" by the federal government. He points in particular to legislation passed in June that lets cabinet override Health Canada and authorize the use of banned pesticides.

Other protests planned Saturday

• Quebec City
• Sherbrooke
• Saguenay
• Terrebonne, Blainville and Val-David
• Ottawa

Similar protests were planned Saturday in Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Terrebonne, Blainville and Val-David, as well as in Ottawa.