Protests at Mohawk College as Maxime Bernier visits Hamilton
- Craig Clark
- 30 Sep 2019
People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier was greeted with protests that turned violent when visiting Mohawk College on Sunday night.
Four people were arrested and later released for breach of the peace after a fight broke out near the entrance of the hall where the talk was taking place. There were no reported injuries.
Some demonstrators covered their faces with bandanas and balaclavas while holding signs that read “White supremacy is terrorism” and “Refugees welcome here.”
Protesters attempted to block some people from entering the event. A group of People’s Party supporters occasionally yelled at the protesters from behind a barrier of police officers.
Antifa protesters scream at & block elderly couple outside an event featuring conservative politician @MaximeBernier & @RubinReport. Further violence broke out, leading to two arrests. Mohawk College had faced massive campaign to cancel the event. https://t.co/D49dTcMi4X
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) September 30, 2019
Bernier spoke to reporters after the event saying that he believes his party’s platform is misunderstood by many of the protesters.
The event featured Bernier in a roundtable discussion about free speech with American political commentator David Rubin. It took place during a particularly polarizing time for the far right in the city.
Mohawk College has been under fire for allowing Bernier to rent the space for the event. Some have accused the school of allowing a platform for hate speech.
The school president said that they were bound by a “government-mandated freedom of speech policy” that requires Mohawk College to allow anyone to voice their views.
The event in question involves members of a federal political party that is recognized in the national discourse. Rental of this space does not represent an endorsement of the views of the organizers. Our policy is clear about events inciting hate. https://t.co/PkEpeNtrbe
— Ron McKerlie (@ronmckerlie) September 17, 2019
The People’s Party of Canada leader has denounced mass immigration and extreme multiculturalism. Bernier has also promised to look after Canadian citizens first by reducing the number of immigrants allowed into the country.
Bernier received a standing ovation after entering the hall where he proceeded to defend many of his party’s positions on Sunday. The discussion began with the moderator thanking the crowd for “pushing back against the facism outside.”
The event in Hamilton on Sunday added to the debate of how the media should cover far right politics in Canada and the growing concern over hate groups in the city.
Comments 0
There are no comments
Add comment