'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
The float in the parade, held in the town of Sundre on Saturday morning, consisted of a tractor pulling an individual in a fake beard dressed in a turban and a suit. On the side of the trailer, which was a manure spreader, was the message, "The Liberal."
Both the Sundre Pro Rodeo and the parade committee said they did not approve the entry. The committee went on to suggest that it broke the rules.
"The entry was not approved and, upon further investigation, joined the parade without passing through any registration," the committee wrote in a statement that was posted on the Sundre Pro Rodeo's Facebook page.
Despite how the float got there, it has already drawn harsh criticism from community members.
'DISPLAY OF RACISM'
The Dashmesh Cultural Centre, a centre of the Sikh community in Calgary, said it was "extremely disappointed and saddened" by the "display of racism."
"We need to have serious conversations and actions to stop these forms of racism. We welcome (Sundre pro rodeo organizers) and their parade committee to visit DCC and learn about Sikhs," it wrote on Twitter.
"We hope dialogue will help end these senseless displays of ignorance towards minorities."
Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal also called out the float as "shameful" while Jasraj Singh Hallan, the representative for Calgary Forest Lawn, shared similar sentiments.
Calgary's mayor also took to social media to condemn the float.
Meanwhile, rodeo organizers and the parade committee have further apologized about the situation and pledged to ensure nothing like this happens any more.
"We do send our deepest apologies and something like that will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN," the rodeo said.
MLA Jason Nixon, representing Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, condemned the float, adding in a statement to CTV News that "discrimination and racism have no place" anywhere in Alberta.
"I have been assured by parade organizers, that this float was not approved, and that they are putting measures in place to ensure this does not happen in the future," Nixon added.
The town of Sundre is located approximately 92 kilometres northwest of Calgary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Documents reveal Canada praised Haitian sanctioned over alleged gangland connections
A Canadian diplomat and an RCMP officer heaped praise and gratitude on a sanctioned Haitian businessman that Global Affairs accuses of gangland connections, after he allowed a helicopter airlift of Canadian citizens and police at his luxury golf course last month, emails provided by his lawyers suggest.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Minister said 'hundreds' of Canadians might use Gaza visa. More than 7,500 applied.
An immigration lawyer in Toronto says new figures from the federal government show just how 'grudging' Ottawa's efforts have been to rescue Canadians' family members from the war in the Gaza Strip.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.