An anti-vaccine protest occupied Riverside Park in Kamloops on Remembrance Day, drawing widespread criticism in the community. (Photo: Twitter: Jay Michi)
The MP for the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo says it’s “deeply insulting” that a small number of people would use Remembrance Day for political posturing.
Frank Caputo, who is also the Shadow Minister for Veteran Affairs, said the acts in Kamloops, Kelowna and Cranbrook went against what Remembrance Day is all about.
“Remembrance Day is a day on which we should all be reflecting for the sacrifices that have been made by our brave people who have wore the Canadian military uniform.”
In Cranbrook, city workers, firefighters and police scrambled to clean graffiti off of its Cenotaph before the ceremony took place. Police are now investigating the vandalism.
Meanwhile, in Kelowna, up to 100 demonstrators more or less hijacked a Remembrance Day ceremony at City Park to speak about their disdain for the COVID-19 vaccine, mandates for non-essential business and other related measures. Kelowna RCMP, while respecting the right to peaceful protest, said that was a “step too far,” with it happening on Remembrance Day. Cops are investigating and the detachment is holding a news conference at 3 p.m. to speak about the situation.
And in Kamloops, at Riverside Park, a group of protesters gathered with placards and a microphone, also to oppose COVID-19 vaccines. This was separate from the Kamloops Legion Remembrance Day ceremony, which was going on at the same time at the Battle Street Cenotaph.
Local resident and lawyer Jay Michi was one of many Kamloops residents who witnessed the protest at Riverside Park, and he expressed shame for people thinking Remembrance Day was a good day to do it.
Michi says about 200 people were at the park, although he couldn’t say how many people were protesters and how many went past the scene by accident like he did.
In a news release, MP Caputo called it “deeply insulting” that protesters would choose to engage in political posturing on Nov. 11.
“It is my sincere hope that those who are responsible for these acts are identified.”
Caputo gave reassurance to veterans about what he called disheartening events.
“The actions of a few do not define us as a society, as a nation. And our views towards veterans have to be that they should be held in the highest esteem. I personally thank them, and on behalf of the citizens of Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo as their elected representative, I’m grateful for all of their sacrifices for us.”
