Calgary city councillors criticize this weekend’s anti-lockdown protests
Posted Feb 28, 2021 3:12 pm.
Last Updated Mar 1, 2021 6:35 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A few Calgary city councillors are not holding back in their criticism of Albertans who took part in anti-restriction protests this weekend.
A handful of councillors took to social media to express their anger over the planned events.
On Saturday, hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters converged on Calgary’s city hall to take part in – or oppose – a “Walk for Freedom” protest.
On Sunday, anti-lockdown protesters gathered at Courthouse Park to denounce Alberta’s COVID-19 restrictions.
In a series of tweets, Coun. Druh Farrell called the rallies “hateful demonstrations.”
“Anti-maskers, freedom-fighters, anti-lockdown… call it out for what it is. These tiki-torch warriors spread a toxic mix of hate, racism, and wild conspiracy theories. It’s disgusting and reckless behaviour that has no place in our city – no place on planet Earth,” wrote Farrell.
“We will continue our work to tackle racism in all forms. We will continue to follow the science as we combat COVID-19. We will continue to demonstrate compassion & respect for our fellow Calgarians.”
We will continue our work to tackle racism in all forms. We will continue to follow the science as we combat COVID-19. We will continue to demonstrate compassion & respect for our fellow Calgarians. These hateful demonstrations will not deter us, but will strengthen our resolve.
— Druh Farrell (@DruhFarrell) February 28, 2021
Ward 3 Coun. Jyoti Gondek called for Calgary police to take firm action against the the anti-lockdown protesters.
“When you light a torch & march in the street, you do so fully aware you’re using a racist symbol. You engage in intimidation. You revel in hate,” tweeted Gondek.
“We will not tolerate you in our city. You will not invoke fear & division. Enough of this. Use the Criminal Code. Prosecute them.”
When you light a torch & march in the street, you do so fully aware you’re using a racist symbol. You engage in intimidation. You revel in hate.
We will not tolerate you in our city. You will not invoke fear & division.
Enough of this. Use the Criminal Code. Prosecute them.
— Jyoti Gondek (@JyotiGondek) February 27, 2021
Ward 5 Coun. George Chahal said he was “disgusted by the sight of tiki torches.”
“Symbols like torches are intended to make people of colour feel afraid & unwelcome,” Chahal wrote in a tweet. “To the Calgarians who are sad, angry, and frightened by this overt display of hate, I stand with you.
“We will not stop building a more inclusive city, together.”
Symbols like torches are intended to make people of colour feel afraid & unwelcome.
To the Calgarians who are sad, angry, and frightened by this overt display of hate, I stand with you.
We will not stop building a more inclusive city, together.
— George Chahal (@ChahalGeorge) February 28, 2021
