A Walk for Freedom in Calgary is set for Saturday as organizers of a counter-protest are urging their supporters to come to the rally wearing a disguise..And local organizers of the walk say they are tired as being described as white supremacists..“We respect what Premier Jason Kenney did because he didn’t go overboard, but we still say it’s too far and way too much,” said Brad Carrigan, an organizer with Walk For Freedom, referring to the premier’s statement after a rally in Edmonton last weekend..“Politicians and media are afraid that we’re supporting an anti-lockdown narrative they don’t like. They called us racist to discredit the rally and diminish our work to promote different stances on Alberta’s COVID-19 response,” he said..“We’ve done about 20 of these rallies with large crowds, and each protest has been peaceful. We’ve always put on every poster that we are peaceful, nonviolent, and respect the police.”.“That’s our mantra – that’s the real story.”.Before Saturday’s protest in Edmonton, organizers thanked local police for being present to keep the peace between anti-lockdown protestors and anti-racism counter-protesters..Except for one incident during the rally, Edmonton police said the protest and counter-protest were peaceful displays of free speech..Carrigan made it clear as long as people didn’t push hateful nonsense on the stage and want to talk about the draconian measures, vaccines, etc., they were welcome to speak..“We do not censor people unless they’re hateful, violent or aggressive – those types of people will never get on the stage,” he confirmed..With ANTIFA attempting to instigate an altercation with anti-lockdown protestors in Edmonton, Carrigan said Calgary police would keep counter-protesters to the other side of the street to maintain the piece..“Wherever ANTIFA goes, they burn down private and public property and assault police officers and protestors who don’t subscribe to their ideology,” said Carrigan..“Their organization burns down businesses and rioted in Portland and Seattle, yet they call us hate-mongers.”.ANTIFA and Black Lives Matter affiliates are expected to be present at the Calgary rally on Saturday at the Olympic Plaza in protest of “white supremacy” and a litany of phobias..According to a counter-protest poster, they intend to “come in peace, leave in peace” and have asked its members to turn their social media accounts private..A social media post making the rounds urges counter-protesters not to come alone, carry water and make sure their phones are charged..“Plan an escape route with your crew,” the advisory reads..“Wear a mask to protect your identity.”.The protest is expected to begin at 12:30 p.m., with previous rallies garnering crowds in excess of 400 to 2,500 people..Dhaliwal is a reporter based in Edmonton for the Western Standard
