Anti-racism rallies in Vancouver, Calgary

Anti-racism rallies largely peaceful in Vancouver, Calgary


VANCOUVER SUN AND CALGARY HERALDMARCH 21, 2010


VANCOUVER — A tiny white-supremacist rally and large anti-racist counter rally resulted in one altercation at a Vancouver SkyTrain Station, according to New Westminster Police.

A group of about 150 mostly anti-racist counter-protesters converged on Braid SkyTrain Station Sunday to shout down the poorly attended “Advocates for White Civil Rights” rally when police intervened on one particularly heated verbal dispute.

“There was a bit of a verbal confrontation, the parties were separated and one group was escorted away by police,” said New Westminster Police commander Mike Garbutt. “A very small percentage, if any at all, are the white supremacists,” he added. No charges were laid in the incident.

A crowd of anti-racist protesters also gathered on the steps of City Hall in Calgary Sunday as part of an annual rally against intolerance.

A large number of police were on hand to monitor the event.

Organizers of the rally say they are celebrating an international day against racism. The group promotes confrontation of racists but not violence, said Bonnie Devine.

According to police, this year’s protest was mostly peaceful with only one arrest made after a man arrived on scene and removed clothing to show off racist tattoos.

A similar rally was also planned for Sunday in Victoria.

Vancouver Sun and Calgary Herald

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