After two days of silence and criticism from other political leaders, Premier Jason Kenney on Monday condemned the racist elements and symbolism of a weekend torch rally at the Alberta legislature. "I understand that publicity for this event incorporated an image apparently taken from the notorious 2017 Charlottesville torch rally, which was an explicitly white supremacist event," Kenney said in a statement issued through his press secretary. In his statement, Kenney said there were likely a "range of perspectives and motivations" among those who attended. Premier's silence 'outrageous'Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson condemned the overly racist symbols used in Saturday's rally. Edmonton Police faced criticism on Sunday for tweets that said most protesters "exercised their freedom of expression peacefully and respectfully."

Source: CBC News February 23, 2021 01:41 UTC