http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/03/21/calgary-anti-racism-pr...
Calgary anti-racism rally sparks minor skirmishes
Last Updated: Sunday, March 21, 2010 | 2:53 PM MT Comments1Recommend32
CBC News
Several hundreds protesters gathered at an anti-racism demonstration at Calgary City Hall on Sunday. (Jennifer Lee/CBC)
An anti-racism rally at Calgary City Hall on Sunday resulted in some minor arguments between anti-racist groups and neo-Nazis.
An estimated 200 people gathered Sunday morning at the rally, organized by Anti-Racist Action Calgary, to take a stand against neo-Nazi groups in the city.
A handful of neo-Nazis came to the rally, with one man saying he wanted to talk about Caucasian pride.
One woman who appeared to be with the neo-Nazi group was taken away by police. One man was arrested but it's not clear whether charges will be laid.
The incidents pale in comparison to the violent confrontation that broke out between members of the anti-racism group and the Aryan Guard during last year's demonstration. Several people were injured and police made a number of arrests.
This year, there was a strong police presence at the rally in the hopes of preventing a repeat of last year's confrontation.
"We've been doing a lot of work behind the scenes trying to work with different members of the anti-racism group," said Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson.
"We don't support violence. We will be out there in numbers sufficient to police it. Obviously, we hope that cooler heads will prevail … Our role is to facilitate lawful protest but we won't tolerate lawlessness."
The event was one of several that took place across the country to mark the UN-sponsored International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination.
"We're trusting that the vast majority of people that are coming out will do so to get a message across peacefully," Hanson said.
"We will facilitate lawful protest. We will facilitate those that wish to get their message out peacefully. The anti-racism message is one that's right across the world, so it's a strong message that needs to be out there."
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/03/21/calgary-anti-racism-pr...