The Regina German Club has received multiple online threats and vitriol after its venue was booked by Saskatchewan's Buffalo Party for a fundraising event.
The Buffalo Party is a provincial political party established in 2020. Originally known as Wexit Saskatchewan, it rebranded to the Buffalo Party to distance itself from the federal Wexit movement and to emphasize its focus on provincial issues.
Kerri Van Loosen, manager of the German Club, described the backlash as "unprecedented," with the club receiving messages labeling them as "fascists" and "neo-Nazis."
The event in question involves panelists discussing the contentious topic of Saskatchewan potentially becoming America's 51st state, a staple of the Buffalo Party's platform.
"This is not about endorsing any political views; it's about providing a space for dialogue," said Van Loosen, emphasizing the club's policy to rent its facilities to various groups regardless of political affiliation.
The Buffalo Party condemned the threats against the club. Tim Kasprick, a 2024 candidate for the party, labeled the backlash as "uncivil" and indicative of online trolling.
In response to the threats, the club filed a police report, and Regina police are assessing the situation, considering the possibility of a protest on the night of the event.
Van Loosen said the club also received numerous messages of support, vowing the threats would not dictate their operational decisions.
