Pro-life float at Alberta town’s Canada Day parade generates surprised reaction

Tons of of individuals lined the streets in Olds, Alta., on Friday to observe the Canada Day parade, one thing they haven’t been in a position to do since earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic started.

For essentially the most half, they had been handled to the standard parade fodder: hearth vans, Mounties and numerous entries by native sports activities groups and group teams.

However one float particularly caught some spectators without warning.

The float displayed the message “let the beat go on” and was entered by Purple Deer Professional-Life.

Whereas it did carry a pro-life message, the float didn’t show any graphic photographs.

One resident, whom World Information has agreed to not title, questioned the appropriateness of the float — and the subject material — at a family-friendly occasion.

One other resident spoke to World Information concerning the float as nicely. Jody Hegel has lived in Olds for the previous 5 years and attended the parade along with her husband and their four-year-old daughter. She mentioned she was stunned to see the float within the parade.

“Simply due to the whole lot occurring within the (United) States with Roe v. Wade, I used to be like, ‘Oh that’s fascinating,’” Hagel mentioned.

The Olds parade got here after a float in Sundre was the centre of controversy final weekend. It was closely criticized for its depiction — and disrespect of — the Sikh tradition.

READ MORE: Controversial float in Sundre, Alta. rodeo parade causes outrage

Premier Jason Kenney was requested about parades changing into extra political at a Canada Day celebration in Calgary.

“Nicely that’s as much as the parade organizers to set the factors,” he mentioned. “I might say that clearly what occurred final week was gross. It was mocking a selected religion group, and that doesn’t have a spot in any type of parade.”

Kenney went on to speak concerning the pro-life group’s float.

“I feel that falls nicely inside freedom of speech in a free society for folks to precise their deeply held views concerning the worth of human life,” the premier mentioned. “I don’t suppose that’s analogous in any respect to mocking folks and expressing hatred for a selected spiritual group.

“I wouldn’t draw a connection between these two issues.”

Hagel mentioned whereas she was stunned by the float’s look, she additionally noticed it as a freedom of speech situation.

“I really feel prefer it’s a platform for folks to share their opinions, and folks can take it or go away it,” she mentioned.

World Information reached out to the City of Olds to ask about standards for entries into the parade.

Purple Deer Professional-Life was additionally contacted.

If the city or pro-life group reply, this text will likely be up to date with remark from them.