Black parliamentarians say protest convoy is a venue for 'white supremacists'

A group representing Black MPs and senators is calling the protest convoy that's been encampedfor a week aroundParliament Hill a venue for "white supremacists" and other extremists.

"The 'Freedom Convoy' protest became an opportunity for white supremacists and others with extreme and disturbing views to parade their odious views in public," the Black parliamentary caucus said in a news release Friday.

"This is unacceptable. These displays of hatred and violence offend Canadians and have no place in our country."

The caucus said the protesters' clear goalis to intimidate politicians and the money raised to support the protest could be used to bankroll "domestic white supremacist terrorism."

The parliamentarians also citedlinks between protesters and extremist organizations and the fact that some of them have stated their objective is tooverthrow the federal government.Some of the protest organizers have publicly denounced those views.

The caucus called on the government and oppositionMPs to move beyond statements condemning hatred and violence. It said thatthe money raised through thecrowdfunding site GoFundMe by convoy organizers over $10.1 million was collected with"neither transparency nor accountability."

The Parliamentary Black Caucus also said MPsmust take a closer look athowpolice have managed the protesters. Ottawa's police service has come in for heavy criticism for permitting the protesters to snarl traffic throughout the downtown andsound their truck horns at all hours.

"There have been lots of discussions about how this has been handled and whether the response would have been the same if the protestors were predominantly Black or Indigenous," said Senator Rosemary Moodie,theco-chair of the federal Black caucus, in a follow-up email.

"I agree that this is an important question we need to tackle."

Protesters' vehicles are restricting access to downtown Ottawa, causing the closure ofbusinesses and service centres,a COVID-19 vaccine clinic and an elementary school.

"Parliament must conduct a fulsome examination of the events of the past week, including the role of the various police and intelligence services," the caucus's statement said. "We believe Parliament would benefit from examining these issues and understanding the changes that are needed."

The caucus also called for a ban on displays of hate symbols such as the Confederate flag widely used as an emblem of white supremacy. At least one Confederate flag was spotted among the protesters recently and swastikas have been seen in the crowds around Parliament Hill as well.

"This is unacceptable. These displays of hatred and violence offend Canadians and have no place in our country," the caucus said.

The other co-chair of the federal Black caucus, Liberal MP Greg Fergus, received a standing ovation in the House of Commons Wednesday after giving an emotional speechabout the harm such symbols cause.

WATCH:MP Greg Fergus speaks about the Confederate flag in the House of Commons

'In some people's eyes I am not equal, nor should I be free' MP Greg Fergus on hate symbols at protest convoy

3 years ago

Duration 1:53

Responding to symbols of hate brandished by protesters in Ottawa, MP Greg Fergus tells the House of Commons why he celebrates Black History month.

NDP MPPeter Julian tabled a private members billThursday that would outlawselling ordisplaying swastikas and other Nazi emblems, Klu Klux Klan symbols and Confederate flags.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of.You can read more stories here.