TRURO, N.S. — Both a National Citizens Alliance (NCA) rally and an Inclusion Fair are planned for the Civic Square Thursday evening, June 27.
Stephen Garvey, leader of the NCA, said he hopes to share information about the political party.
“We plan to provide a short introduction and then have dialogue,” he said. “Our major focus would be on answering questions and giving the public a say. We’d like to have healthy dialogue.”
He said there will also be pamphlets available.
“We may not have the opportunity to speak if it’s anything like Halifax, but we’re hoping to de-escalate incitement,” he said.
The rally is scheduled to run from 7-9 p.m.
An Inclusion Fair has also been planned for the Civic Square. It will include local musicians and community group booths.
“It’s not a protest,” said Melanie Morrissey, one of the organizers. “It’s in reaction to the rally but it’s a peaceful community event. We want to set an example of how to come together as a community and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Although rain is in the forecast, tents have been borrowed for the event.
“We hope people come out in spite of the weather,” said Morrissey.
A Peace Picnic will begin at 6 p.m. with musicians beginning to perform at 6:30 p.m.
The NCA submitted the application for the rally to the town and informed council and staff that the Canadian Charter overrides town bylaws when it comes to peaceful assembly and free speech.
Last week, the town released a statement to inform people about the rally, saying, “This is not a Town-sponsored or supported event, and the Town does not support the NCA or condone its views.”
The National Citizens Alliance of Canada is a registered political party with headquarters in Calgary.
