HAMILTON, Ontario – Canadian politicians, activists, and faith leaders rallied Sunday, October 1, in Hamilton, Ontario, in an event organized to shut down rising hatred spouted by far right and white supremacist groups.
“We need this in our city,” said speaker Yasmeen Mirza, of CUPE and the Hamilton Muslim Association during Sunday’s event, The Hamilton Spectator reported on Monday, October 2.
“We need to send a message to fascists. Stay out of our city!
“We have to ask ourselves what kind of Hamilton do we want?!”
Sunday’s event, held in Gore Park, Hamilton, was organized by the Hamilton and District Labour Council.
Jayoti Edington, vice-president of the Hamilton and District Labour Council (HDLC), stressed that hate was not limited to the workplace.
“It’s not acceptable in the workplace and it’s not acceptable in the community,” he told the audience.
Many speakers warned that hate has sprouted since the election of President Donald Trump in their southern neighbor.
“The only thing we need to shut down hate is numbers,” said Anthony Marco, president of the HDLC.
“It is one thing trade unions can do well.”
The Shut Down Hate rally was organized by the council after a far-right group threatened to show up at the Gandhi Peace Festival, also happening Saturday.
When the Shut Down Hate people gave notice that they would come out to support the Gandhi festival, the far right wing group canceled its appearance.
“We are why they canceled their meeting today,” said Maximiliano Guerrero.
“We don’t have to give equal voice to hate speech,” added Marco, the HDLC president. Neither does the media, he added.
“Hate speech is illegal in this country. Everyone who tells you they have a right to free speech, they don’t have a right to hate speech.
Marie Clarke Walker, secretary-treasurer, Canadian Labour Congress, added, “I encourage people to protest. I’ve seen people point fingers down south, but it’s not just down south. People have been silent here.
“I want to carry this right across the country, have Shut Down Hate rallies right across the country. If you’re silent you’re complicit.”