Canada: Anti-racism protests planned in Québec City, Ottawa

Event

Anti-racist activists plan to protest in major Canadian cities in coming days, including in Québec City on Sunday, August 20, and in Ottawa, on Tuesday, August 22. An official location for the anti-racist protest in Québec City has not yet been released, but right-wing counterprotests against illegal immigration and organized by La Meute group are expected. In Ottawa, hundreds of activists are anticipated to protest outside the American embassy. Increased police presence and traffic delays are expected in the vicinity of the protests.

Context

The anti-racist protests (and potential right-wing counterprotests) planned in Canada over coming days are in response to last week's Charlottesville, VA car-ramming attack, in which a white supremacist killed one woman and injured at least 19 other anti-racist protesters. The car-ramming incident occurred as a "Unite the Right" rally was taking place, which had drawn a number of white supremacist and right-wing groups to protest the removal of a Confederate Civil War statue in Charlottesville. The rally had also drawn large anti-racist counterprotests.

Advice

While Canadian protests are generally peaceful, individuals in Québec City and Ottawa are advised to avoid areas of demonstrations as small incidents of violent confrontation cannot be ruled out. Allow for extra travel time, consider alternative routes, and remain vigilant when traveling near areas affected by protests.