Racist signs, white-supremacist pictures in red deer spark outrage

An RCMP examination was opened in response to a group of men in Red Hirsch signs, in which “they all” and a flag are connected to a Celtic cross with white supremacists.

Last weekend, a number of social media posts shared several pictures of these men, most of which have face cover. One of these photos was taken directly before the care for newcomers in the city center of Red Deer.

“It is obviously quite worrying,” said Frank Bauer, Executive Director of Care for Newcomers, who offers programs and services that were developed for the successful settlement and integration of newcomers in Zentral -Alberta.

“One thing that really worried me was the flag (with white supremacist pictures). It basically means: ‘Every non-white person is less worth it and they should be thrown out of the country.’

“It always works when such things appear because you never know what it will trigger. Red Deer has a growing percentage of its population, which is not Caucasian. I could imagine that if people become aware of this situation if they are not already making them annoying. They could be afraid to leave their houses.

Bauer said that “it was reassuring” to see many social media users, expressed dissatisfaction with the offensive messaging of men in the photos.

“I was happy to see these reactions. It shows that the vast majority of people in Canada and also newcomers welcomes newcomers, regardless of where they come from or the color of their skin,” said Bauer.

“It is important to recognize that all immigrants in our community bring prosperity and prosperity. Without immigrants, companies would have to close. … If Canada is not the place of choice for immigrants, the country would face serious challenges.”

Mayor Ken Johnston made an explanation on the photo spread on social media on Monday.

“We are very proud to promote an inviting environment in which each individual feels safe and valued. That is why advice and I are deeply worried and outraged by the worrying presentation of hate symbols and racist messages in our city last weekend,” says the explanation.

“Let me be clear: there is absolutely no place for racism, white dominance or hatred of any kind in Red Deer.

The mayor and the council “work closely with the RCMP to tackle this incident” – an investigation is open on this matter, added the explanation.

“The security and well -being of our residents and community organizations are of the utmost importance, and we will continue to take determined measures to prevent and react to such hate files.

“For those who promote the division and fear that their actions do not define red deer. Our city stands against hatred, and we will always use the values ​​of respect, friendliness and recording. I encourage residents to report hate-related incidents to the RCMP when they see them, and continue to be the strong, inviting community, which is known from Red Deer.”