Following peaceful protests in Boston, an estimated 4-thousand people took to the streets in the western Canadian city of Vancouver. They gathered around city hall to show their support for diversity in anticipation of a rally that plans to protest Islam, immigration, and the Liberal government's policies on multiculturalism. Despite concerns of possible clashes, the event remained largely peaceful with only five arrests being made. CGTN's Natalie Carney reports.

 

The Worldwide Coalition Against Islam's Canadian Chapter and the Cultural Action Party behind the initial demonstration billed the event an "anti-immigration rally" denouncing the federal government's policies on immigration and multiculturalism as a threat to European-descended Canadians. However they also say it's not about race. It's about culture and maintaining Canada's traditional communities.

 

"ANTI-IMMIGRATION" DEMONSTRATOR "The problem with bringing in just this mass influx of unvetted refugees who might not be the proper criteria. But what we are looking forward is to take it away from those who might be better suited to come here."

 

Yet many other Vancouver citizens quickly condemned the rally calling it an overt display of racism and white supremacy. Both Vancouver city Mayor Gregor Robertson and B.C. Premier John Horgan denounced the rally and endorsed a counter-protesters. So the ad hoc coalition Stand Up to Racism Metro Vancouver organized a counter protest with more than six thousand people indicating on social media that they were interested in attending, a number far less than those at the anti - immigration rally. We have native Indian groups, we have transgender groups, gay rights activists and we have "black life matters" groups here present at Vancouver city hall.

 

"ANTI-RACISM" DEMONSTRATOR "I'm here because I support a diverse and welcoming Canada." "If good people do nothing, Bad people will win."

 

While both sides say they don't condone violence, after the events in Charlottesville last weekend, police here know anything is possible. While free speech and assembly are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is also illegal to incite hatred. This event marks the largest demonstration for or against Canada's rather liberal immigration policies. Natalie Carney for CGTN in Vancouver Canada.