After some white nationalists gathered in Bedford last week, the Nova Scotia Justice Minister had a message for them: leave.
Minister Scott Armstrong made the comments while speaking to reporters on Thursday.
“They probably should leave. There’s no place in Nova Scotia for racism and hate,” said Armstrong.
He added that this sort of thing should not be taken lightly, and the government is responding to racism and hate.
“I’m very proud of Nova Scotia. I think there’s absolutely a consensus amongst the people here that there is no place for this type of attitude or behavior in our province.”
Halifax Regional Police say between 20 and 25 people gathered on the overpass above Highway 102 on May 30 around 4 p.m., according to a statement.
When police arrived at the scene, the group had already moved to a nearby parking lot. Police did not arrest anyone, because “officers did not identify any criminal elements to the demonstration.”
They say they believe they were members of the Second Sons Canada Nationalist Club.
The Canadian Anti-Hate Network, a non-profit group, describes the Seconds Sons as a group “inspired by militant white nationalist groups in other countries.”
The MLA for Bedford South, Damian Stoilov, also released a statement on the weekend, saying he was deeply concerned by the group’s appearance.
He says the area is a very diverse constituency, and their strength comes from all the people of different cultures, faiths, and backgrounds who chose to build their life there. He said hatred, racism and white nationalism seeks to divide people and undermines the “values of respect, inclusion, and equality that make Bedford South such a great place to live.”
“To those who may feel targeted or unsettled by this demonstration, please know that you are valued members of our community. The actions of a small group do not reflect the character of Bedford South or the people who call it home,” said Stoilov.
