Residents organize anti-hate demonstrations in St. Albert after weekend protest

As St. Albert RCMP investigate a demonstration described by Alberta's justice minister as "deplorable and reprehensive," some residents in the region are planning protests of their own.

Police said in a news release Monday morning that police received a report of people demonstrating and "holding up racially motivated signs" on St. Albert Trail at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday.

Police identified three people and spoke to them, according to the news release. No arrests were made and the group dispersed, police said.

Photos a witness shared with CBC News show three people wearing black clothing and holding signs that said "deport them all" and "white lives matter" at the corner of St. Albert Trail and St. Vital Avenue.

Other images of individuals at the intersection with arms raised have been circulating on social media.

Saturday's display prompted a number of statements from local political leaders.

St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron, in a Facebook post with images of the signs, said, "This is not the St. Albert that I know and love." 

"Nazi salutes and racist signs are never acceptable and should never be tolerated," said Marie Renaud, the city's MLA.

Michael Cooper, the MP for St. Albert—Edmonton, in a statement called the display on St. Albert Trail "disturbing" and "hateful."

Justice Minister Mickey Amery posted on social media Monday about the protest stating "hate in all forms has no place in Alberta, and our government will always condemn this kind of despicable behaviour."

John Carle, a St. Albert resident and the mayor's partner, said he was sad and disgusted after seeing pictures of the display that a friend sent to him. 

Carle is urging St. Albert residents to turn on Christmas lights on Tuesday night to combat what happened on Saturday and say no to racism, sharing the plan on a community Facebook page.

"Let's light up the city and be a beacon of hope for people," he told CBC News in an interview.

Pride Corner on Whyte, a group that regularly protests against hate in Edmonton, is planning a demonstration against intolerance and hate at the intersection of St. Albert Trail and St. Vital Avenue on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Co-organizer Erica Posteraro said the group plans to bring music, signs, and flags to counter the messages shown on Saturday. 

"This sort of worldview is completely unacceptable and I think it's just important for all of us and the people that hold that worldview to know that we're not going to let it go unchecked," she said. 

Posteraro said she hopes Sunday's demonstration strengthens ties between neighbours and inspires people to talk to others about what happened and write to their elected officials.

Nina Saini, the executive director of the non-profit organization Stop Hate AB, said community engagement is critical to combating hate.

"When there's a display that is hateful, without some sort of a response, there's an affirmation that it's OK," she said. 

Saini said having different options available to people can be more inclusive and help amplify the response, since some residents may not have Christmas lights, for example. 

She said her organization offers bystander intervention response training to help people recognize hate, learn how it manifests and respond to it safely. 

She also encourages people to talk about hateful incidents within families, communities and workplaces.

"I think that really brings a lot of unity and a lot of strength," she said. 

RCMP Alberta spokesperson Cpl. Troy Savinkoff told CBC News on Tuesday no charges have been laid and the investigation is ongoing. 

According to Monday's news release, police are working with various units, including the Alberta RCMP hate crimes co-ordinator.

Police are asking people who took pictures of the signs on Saturday to contact RCMP and provide statements.

"We are committed to ensuring everyone we serve can live in communities free from discrimination and bias, and we take any action that threatens the safety and security of others extremely seriously," police said in the release.