Mayoral candidates on hate rallies in Calgary

At a recent mayoral forum, we asked two candidates for mayor about the open displays of hate and white supremacy we’ve seen in downtown…

At a recent mayoral forum, we asked two candidates for mayor about the open displays of hate and white supremacy we’ve seen in downtown Calgary of late.

Our question: if elected, how would you go about addressing this?

“Hate is not acceptable in any way, shape or form,” said candidate Bill Smith. “But we also have to remember that people have Charter rights to speak freely. So we have to be able to balance that.”

Candidate Andre Chabot said he’d push for more cultural events, and cited his involvement with the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CCMARD) and GlobalFest. “I think festivals of that nature can help to bring a greater understanding of our cultural differences—as well as a recognition and celebration of our similarities,” he said.

Watch both candidates’ answers below.

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