WATCH ABOVE: The anti-police brutality protest is taking place on the same day as the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Domenic Fazioli has more.
MONTREAL – Scouts Canada announced on Friday it was no longer taking park in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The organization said it was worried about the possibly rowdy behaviour at the anti-police brutality demonstration.
Earlier this week, organizers of the St. Patrick’s Day parade were distraught to find out that their festive parade was scheduled to take place on the same day as the annual anti-police brutality protest.
The family-oriented parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 22.
The Collective Opposed to Police Brutality then announced it was moving its protest from March 15th to the 22nd to coincide with the parade.
READ MORE: Nearly 300 detained at annual Montreal anti-police brutality march
“We are disappointed,” said Kevin Murphy, a spokesperson for United Irish Societies of Montreal.
“It’s a non-political event. It’s for families.”
On the group’s homepage, a message reads “We’re flexible. In this time of austerity and the protests that will come, the Maple Spring 2015 organizers thought it would be a good idea to demonstrate ‘la St. Patrak.'”
The COBP told La Presse it sees no obligation to protect families at the parade, insisting it’s the police’s fault if it turns violent.
READ MORE: Rally for victims of police brutality planned for Montreal
READ MORE: 71-year-old activist speaks out against Montreal riot police
According to Montreal police, 17 of 19 anti-police brutality protests have ended in arrests.
“Protests are legal. You are more than welcome. Just share your route,” said police spokesperson Ian Lafrenière.
“The St Patrick’s Day parade is a family event. We’re taking part and we’ll also be there to make sure the public is safe.”
The police released a video to outline the rules for peaceful protest:
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