Hundreds of people lined the streets in Olds, Alta., on Friday to watch the Canada Day Parade, something they weren’t able to do before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
For the most part, they were treated to the usual parade fodder: fire trucks, mounties, and various entries by local sports teams and community groups.
But one float in particular caught some viewers by surprise.
The float displayed the message “Beat Go On” and was recorded by Red Deer Pro-Life.
Although it contained a pro-life message, the float did not display any graphic images.
One resident, whom Global News has agreed to anonymize, questioned the suitability of – and content – at a family-friendly event.
Another resident also spoke to Global News about the float. Jodi Hegel has been living at Olds for the past five years and attended the parade with her husband and their four-year-old daughter. She said she was surprised to see her floating in the parade.
“Just because of everything that’s happening in the (United States) states with Roe v. Wade, I was like, ‘Oh that’s interesting,'” Hegel said.
The Olds Parade came after a float in Sundre last weekend was the center of controversy. It was heavily criticized for its portrayal of – and disrespect for – Sikh culture.
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Premier Jason Kenney was asked about the parade being more political at Canada Day celebrations in Calgary.
“Well it is up to the parade organizers to set the criteria,” he said. “I would say that obviously what happened last week was gross. It was mocking a particular faith community, and it doesn’t have a place in any kind of parade.”
Kenny talks about the pro-life group Float.
The Prime Minister said, “I think for people in a free society to express their deepest thoughts about the value of human life comes under freedom of expression.” “I don’t think it is tantamount to mocking people and expressing hatred for a particular religious community.
“I wouldn’t make a connection between those two things.”
Hegel said that while she was surprised by the presence of the float, she also saw it as an issue of freedom of expression.
“I think it’s a platform for people to share their opinions, and people can take it or leave it,” she said.
Global News reached out to the Town of Olds to inquire about the criteria for entering the parade.
Red Deer Pro-Life was also contacted.
If cities or pro-life groups respond, this article will be updated with their comments.
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