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United for All condemns hateful signs, acts, and displays at “Freedom Convoy” protests

2 MIN READ

The United for All coalition strongly condemns the racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic symbols, signs and acts used at this weekend’s protests in downtown Ottawa. The display of Confederate flags, Nazi yellow stars and swastikas is traumatizing to members of vulnerable communities who continue to be marginalized by acts of hate and violence.  

The use of racist and anti-Semitic flags and symbols, the mockery of Indigenous culture, and the harassment of residents clearly show that this protest has not been “peaceful.” Defacing national and Indigenous monuments, inciting hate, and wielding signs with violent imagery sows fear, division, and polarization in our community.  

United for All is a coalition of 44 organizations representing 150+ partners who are all committed to overcoming hate-based violence, racism, and extremism in East Ontario. Our partnership of social service agencies, faith-based organizations, policymakers, human rights groups, health providers, school boards and post-secondary institutions, grassroots social justice groups, criminal justice professionals, cultural groups and more, have the common mission to build safe, compassionate, resilient communities for everyone. We are reminded that, despite the hate on display this weekend, the vast majority of people in our communities share our values. 

Speaking on behalf of the United for All coalition, Councillor Rawlson King said:

“In the same week as international Holocaust Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the Quebec City mosque shooting of 2017, we are saddened by the expressions of rage and anger we’ve seen this weekend.  

We must not let hate and violence bleed through the broader community, but instead we must choose a future of kindness and care for each other.  

True freedom requires the health, safety, and security of everyone in our communities, not only for those who have the loudest voice or the privilege to take up space. As a coalition, we are committed to overcoming hate-based violence, racism, and extremism in East Ontario, and to preventing and confronting hatred in our communities. Indeed, this is a responsibility of all citizens. 

People who peddle hate and violence do not define our vibrant communities. Parading with swastikas, desecrating national monuments, intimidating residents and attacking people at homeless shelters is the antithesis of supporting democratic freedoms. We stand with those who continue to be affected by these displays of intolerance.” 

Rawlson King 
Ottawa City Councillor, Rideau-Rockcliffe 

If you are struggling to cope with the hate, noise, harassment, and racism you’ve seen this weekend, local mental health services are available to listen. 

Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region

Phone: 613-238-3311 (24/7) 

Text: 343-306-5550 
Chat: http://dcottawa.on.ca  
(Both 10am-11pm)

Counselling Connect 

https://www.counsellingconnect.org/  

Support Line for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Communities 

Phone: 343-571-0097 

https://www.swchc.on.ca/programs/support-line-for-african%2C-caribbean%2C-and-black-(acb)-communities  

If you are affected by a hate crime, Ottawa Police Service encourages you to report it online at https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/contact-us/Online-Reporting.aspx or call 613-236-1222. For emergencies, always call 911. A translator can be available within minutes. 

About United for All: 

United for All is a coalition of 44 organizations representing 150+ partners who are all committed to overcoming hate-based violence, racism, and extremism in East Ontario. 

Since 2016, this growing partnership has brought together social service agencies, faith-based organizations, policymakers, human rights groups, health providers, school boards and post-secondary institutions, grassroots social justice groups, criminal justice professionals, cultural groups and more – all with the common mission to build safe, compassionate, resilient communities for everyone. 

United for All and our partners acknowledge the privilege to be operating on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg. We recognize the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island who have been thriving on this land since time immemorial.  

For more information on United for All, visit unitedforall.ca. 

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