Counter-protests planned for anti-Trudeau/illegal immigration rally in Peterborough

Activist and online groups in Peterborough are planning counter-protests in response to an upcoming rally by a white nationalist group.

The Canadian Nationalist Front, led by chairman Kevin Goudreau, plans to stage an “Anti-Trudeau/illegal immigration” rally on Sept. 30 — no other details on the event have been announced.

Goudreau said on Friday it will be part of a nationwide rally against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the government’s immigration policies.

But activists like Alissa Paxton say the CNF’s views aren’t reflective of the majority of Canadians. To counter the rally, she has organized “Chalk Out Hate” — an event set for Sept. 29th in which “words of welcome” will be written in chalk throughout Peterborough’s downtown core.

“I don’t think that these rallies are about starting a dialogue about immigration policies,” Paxton told CHEX News.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I don't think that these rallies are about starting a dialogue about immigration policies," Paxton told CHEX News.

The event will begin at Peterborough Square on George Street.

“We’re going to be anytime between 4 to 7 p.m. chalking downtown with messages of ‘welcome and love and peace,” said Paxton.

Other groups such as the Peterborough Peace Council are encouraging residents to join a peaceful rally to counter the CNF’s event.

“Please flag September 30 to attend a peaceful event declaring Peterborough an inclusive community that stands for the Charter Rights of all Canadians and Indigenous people in Canada, as well as the human rights of all landed-immigrants, students, refugees and migrant workers living here,” stated  Peterborough Peace Council’s Marion Little.