The far-right, white supremacist group Second Sons Canada was responsible for this demonstration. All members of this group of roughly twenty people wore white scarves and sunglasses to conceal their identity while shouting inflammatory statements.

Several witnesses reported that this racist rally lasted between 10 and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, they were expressing their opinion on races in Quebec using and holding up an offensive slogan written on a banner.

L’hôtel Énergie Shawinigan’s receptionist, Samuel, reported to the authorities everything he saw the group doing while he was working.

“They took pictures, filmed themselves, and held flags. They were moving in rows. It did look very militarized,” he shared.

Quickly, pictures of this outrageous event appeared on social media, creating many reactions, as much for those involved and everyone else, including politicians, people, and many public figures.

The Sûreté du Québec, although it had not received any report about the gathering, confirmed that they saw the pictures. At the time, no one informed the police of what they had just seen, but not a long time after, verifications were carried out by investigators.  Unfortunately, the contributors couldn’t be identified. However, the team found a way to speak with the person who took the picture to get more information.

“Such statements are unacceptable and have no place in our society. This is not the Quebec we are. It’s not the Quebec we want,” said Chritine Fréchette, Prime Minister of Quebec.

 Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois, also expressed his opinion on this situation.

“Let’s be unanimous and strongly denounce this racism,” he said.

A counter-demonstration was organised by community and citizen groups to show clear opposition. Their banner, ” I remember an inclusive Quebec,” was a reminder of values.

Let’s hope this kind of horrible gathering won’t ever happen again. People should never be treated differently and unfairly because of their race.