As events in Ottawa are becoming more violent, at what started with peaceful intentions, the members of Pride Haldimand Norfolk’s Working Committee believe we need to make a statement condemning the violent and hateful events that have been taking place.
With multiple sightings of Confederate flags, Nazi Swastika symbols, and far right extremist groups, such as QAnon, along with the multiple physical and verbal assaults to people within the city, Pride HN wants to reaffirm to our community here in Haldimand and Norfolk that we view this behaviour unacceptable.
As we are a group promoting inclusivity and diversity, we believe it is important to reaffirm our support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) who have been victims of these hate symbols and victims of hate crimes in the past week in Ottawa. Along with BIPOC, the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community have been targeted in several hate crimes within the city this past week and businesses with pride flags in the windows have been targeted and vandalised by people from the Freedom Convoy.
Though we respect and honour every Canadian’s right to protest, we must emphasise the right to PEACEFUL protest. Pride HN will always prioritize the safety of BIPOC and Two Spirit & LGBTQIA+ community. We also remain committed to learning intersectional approaches to fighting oppressive systems.
From the members of
Pride Haldimand Norfolk
