The Ottawa Police Service said it is “aware” that a group named Diagolon will be bringing its “Road Rage Terror Tour” to Ottawa on July 6.
According to police, the event location is not known and they do not have direct communication with organizers.
“We are taking this seriously and are fully prepared to respond to any situation that may arise,” a statement to CityNews Ottawa reads.
The extremist group that has grown “increasingly radicalized” according to a 2022 report from the House of Commons, is known for calling for far-right policies including the mass deportation of Canadian residents of specific backgrounds and the preparation for an ongoing “race war.”
It was founded by Jeremy MacKenzie who testified at the Emergencies Act Inquiry.
Although the group is not listed as a domestic terrorist organization in Canada, the U.S. government identifies Diagolon as a “Canadian far-right ‘extremist’ group.”
Ottawa police have plans for deployment of officers to maintain public order and manage demonstrations. Officials will step in if any illegal activities or incidents of hate speech occur, the statement reads.
“We want to reassure the public that the safety and security of our community is our top priority,” police said. “We have zero tolerance for hate speech and hate crimes.”
A poster is shown from Diagolon’s “Road Rage Terror Tour.” (Facebook)
Members of Community Solidarity Ottawa (CSO), a group of activists for human rights, told CityNews in an email they fear for those of minority groups in the nation’s capital.
“Ottawa is a diverse city, and we worry for the immediate safety of residents who may live or work near this function,” a spokesperson from the group said.
According to advocates, the group is in Ottawa on a speaking tour, which is a “money-making event” set to travel across Canada, including to:
- Calgary, Alta. – July 13
- Vancouver – July 19
- Kamloops, B.C. – July 20
- Edmonton – July 24
- Saskatoon, Sask. – July 25
- Hamilton, Ont. – July 31
- Nova Scotia – Aug. 4
The site further lists the following as free “meet and greets.”
- Sudbury, Ont. – July 7
- Thunder Bay, Ont. – July 9
- Regina – July 11
- Lethbridge, Alta. – July 12
- Kelowna, B.C. – July 15
- Nanaimo, B.C. – July 16
- Winnipeg – July 26
- Quebec – Aug. 1
- Fredericton, N.B. – Aug. 2
According to the tour website, the venue address will be available to those who purchased tickets 24-hours before the event.
CSO said it encourages Ottawa residents to “avoid confrontation” with the event and its members.
“We suggest all Ottawa residents be aware of the event happening Saturday,” the organization said. “We also suggest locals recognize that at this time, religious iconography or displays of Pride on you or your property may make you more of a visible target.”