More than 300 people attended the Alberta Independence Tour hosted by Rebel News and held at Medicine Hat College Friday night which drew more than 80 protests calling the event a "black eye" for MHC. - NEWS PHOTOS BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
More than 300 individuals attended an Alberta Independence Tour event hosted by Rebel News at Medicine Hat College Friday night which rallied support in the upcoming referendum vote this October.
Attendees of the event were met by more than 80 protestors, many holding signs and wearing red and white, who peacefully sang the national anthem while holding the Canadian flag.
Four speakers addressed the crowd, many wearing blue colours and dawning the Alberta Coat of arms, held in the College’s main theatre including Rebel News owner Ezra Levant, Sheila Gunn Reid, Alberta bureau chief for Rebel News, Cory Morgan, columnist with the Western Standard and local Tamara Lich, who reports for Rebel News.
The event marked the fifth stop on the Rebel News Independence Tour being held in eight communities across the province and included live presentations followed by an open audience question and answer session.
The key issue discussed during the event was the provinces’ roles within the Canadian Confederation and rallied those in attendance to vote in favour of the provincial referendum vote that will be held on Oct. 19.
“We got momentum like we’ve never seen before, but we’re still well short,” said Morgan. “We’ve got to win that yes vote for millions of Albertans.”
Morgan encouraged attendees of the event to continue speaking up and sharing their concerns with fellow Albertans to encourage them to vote in favour of referendum in the Fall.
Outside the theatre in the College’s main foyer, students and community members protested the event and criticized Medicine Hat College for allowing the controversial event to happen at the post-secondary campus, calling it a “Black eye” for the college.
The college has received significant backlash from Hatters who regard the use of its facilities to host the event as inappropriate. The school received a letter signed by hundreds of students sharing their concerns.
“At the end of the day, we’re stronger together,” said student Kristen Brock. “An united force is always stronger, and the more we fracture ourselves, the more we divide ourselves, the weaker we become.”
Protestors questioned the College’s decision to host the event despite the backlash.
“I was out there earlier this afternoon where students were collectively gathered and making posters to stand with the college in opposition and they feel the integrity of the college is at risk,” said Betty Aitkem. “They feel like their degrees or diplomas will not be worth as much after this night and it’s unfortunate.”
“I have no trouble with free speech happening in the world, but you have to think about what the messaging is with this separatist group, one of the first things they’re disrespecting are the Indigenous treaties,” said Shelley Ewing.
According to Rebel News, the Independence Tour will be making a stop in Lethbridge on Saturday night, however a location is still to be determined as of the time of publication.
The tour was originally going to take place at an independent cinema in Lethbridge but the cinema has since cancelled the booking.
Medicine Hat College is the only post-secondary institution or educational facility to host the Independent Tour.
