Over 100 people gathered in downtown Red Deer to promote love and inclusion after a small group of men displayed signs advocating for deportation and carried flags with white supremacist imagery near organizations supporting immigrants. Rally organizer Jaelene Tweedle felt compelled to respond to this hateful message, emphasizing the importance of showing solidarity against racism and xenophobia. Participants held signs proclaiming, “Hate has no home here,” and “No hate in our streets,” reinforcing the community’s support for immigrants. Mayor Ken Johnston also condemned the initial incident, affirming Red Deer’s commitment to inclusivity and welcoming all newcomers, while the RCMP investigates the matter.
Over 100 individuals gathered to promote a message of love and inclusion in downtown Red Deer this past weekend.
Last week, social media saw the spread of photos depicting a small group of men in Red Deer holding signs that read “deport them all” and waving a flag featuring white supremacist symbols in front of Care for Newcomers, the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association, and Catholic Social Services.
“Those photos made me feel nauseous,” expressed Jaelene Tweedle, a Red Deer resident.
“It was a very deliberate message. We understood that unless we voiced our concerns loudly, we wouldn’t be able to create change. We realized we could gather in significantly larger numbers than a few misguided individuals.”
Tweedle organized a rally against racism and xenophobia, which took place on Sunday, March 9, at Red Deer City Hall. Following brief speeches on the steps of City Hall, participants lined the sidewalk at the intersection of 50 Street and Gaetz Avenue, holding signs with messages like “Hate has no home here” and “No hate in our streets.”
“Red Deer boasts a substantial immigrant community,” Tweedle noted.
“We want to ensure that our immigrant neighbors and the agencies that assist them are aware that we will not tolerate racism and xenophobia. … This is a message that needs to resonate now more than ever. We’re advocating for love and inclusion.”
Mayor Ken Johnston, who addressed the rally on Sunday, mentioned that he felt compelled to speak out after seeing the photos shared on social media just a week prior.
“The term ‘abhorrent’ was the first thing that came to mind upon viewing those images,” said Johnston.
“I attempted to place myself in the shoes of a new Canadian who witnessed that while shopping downtown or enjoying City Hall Park. I sought to understand the fear and uncertainty that new Canadians face, amplified by a group of extremists.”
Johnston expressed his gratitude for the supportive response from the Red Deer community towards new Canadians.
“The public’s feedback has been remarkable over the past week,” Johnston said.
“I felt it was crucial for me, as mayor, and for council members to attend this rally. The core message is to communicate a counter-message: Red Deer is inclusive, and Red Deer is welcoming. This city truly acknowledges the contributions of new Canadians, without a doubt.”
In a media release issued last week, the City of Red Deer announced that the RCMP has initiated an investigation into the initial incident.