More than 100 people rallied to spread a message of love and inclusion in downtown Red Deer this past weekend.
Last week, photos began circulating on social media showing a small group of men in Red Deer holding signs reading “deport them all” in front and carrying a flag featuring white supremacist imagery in front of Care for Newcomers, the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association and Catholic Social Services.
“Seeing those photos made me sick to my stomach,” said Jaelene Tweedle, of Red Deer.
“It was a very targeted message. We decided that unless we speak up loudly, we aren’t going to be able to make a difference. We knew we could show up in much greater numbers than a few ignorant people.”
Tweedle organized a rally against racism and xenophobia — this rally was held on Sunday, March 9 at Red Deer City Hall. After brief speeches on the steps of City Hall, attendees lined the sidewalk at the intersection of 50 Street and Gaetz Avenue holding signs with messages such as, “Hate has no home here,” and, “No hate in our streets.”
“Red Deer has such a large immigrant community,” Tweedle said.
“We want to make sure our neighbours who are immigrants, as well as the agencies that support them, know that we will not stand for (racism and xenophobia). … It’s a message that needs to be shown now more than ever. We’re spreading a message of love and inclusion.”
Mayor Ken Johnston, who spoke during Sunday’s rally, said he knew he had to speak up after seeing the photos posted on social media one week earlier.
“The word ‘abhorrent’ was the first thing that came to mind when I saw those photos,” said Johnston.
“At the time, I tried to put myself in the shoes of a new Canadian who witnessed that when they were downtown doing some shopping or strolling through City Hall Park. I tried to get an understanding of the fear and uncertainty that new Canadians already live without, let alone having it catalyzed by a group of extremists.”
Johnston said he’s been happy to see Red Deerians showing support to new Canadians.
“The feedback from the community has been amazing over the past week,” said Johnston.
“I thought it was very important that myself as mayor and members of council be here at this rally. The very message is to send a counter-message: Red Deer is inclusive and Red Deer is welcoming. This city recognizes the contributions of new Canadians, 100 per cent.”
In a media release issued last week, the City of Red Deer noted that the RCMP has opened an investigation into the initial incident.