White supremacists rally in Shawinigan draws swift condemnation
Quebec political leaders denounce weekend demonstration supporting 'White Quebec' in Mauricie region.
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A group of white supremacists gathered Saturday at Parc des Vétérans in Shawinigan, displaying a banner reading "Je me souviens d'un Québec blanc" (I remember a White Quebec). The demonstration prompted immediate and forceful responses from Quebec's top political figures.
Premier Christine Fréchette issued a statement Sunday condemning the rally and the racist messages voiced there. "Such remarks are unacceptable and have no place in our society. This is not the Quebec we are," she said. "We must never trivialize or tolerate this kind of behavior."
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon identified the group involved as part of Second Sons Canada, describing such organizations as "active clubs" that hide behind sports to recruit and normalize extremism. Public Security has identified them as hate groups, he said.
Quebec Liberal Party leader Charles Milliard also weighed in, calling the gathering "horrible" and stating it "in no way reflects the openness of the people of Quebec."
The swift and unified response from across the political spectrum underscores how seriously Quebec's leadership treats extremist activity, regardless of party affiliation.