WARNING: This story contains images that readers may find disturbing and offensive.
A float at the Sundre Pro Rodeo parade in southern Alberta faced a reaction and was called a racist.
Photos of the float taken on Saturday show a masked man driving a tractor.
The tractor pulls another man with a fake beard and turban. He can be seen riding in what looks like a manure spreader, with the word “Liberal” glued to the side.
In a statement posted on the rodeo’s Facebook page, organizers said they did not know the float would be in the parade.
One of the participants in the Sundre Pro Rodeo parade this morning. Hmm! 😬 pic.twitter.com/g7IdkpWIuq
– @airdronian
“The entry was not approved and after further investigation he joined the parade without going through any registration. To be clear, it was not approved, “the parade commission said in a statement.
The commission added that they are committed to making sure that future records are reviewed and this will not happen again.
In a second post on Facebook, the rodeo organizers wrote: “If we had known about this voyage, we would never have approved it! We send our deepest apologies and something like this will never happen again. “
Photos of the parade’s entry drew condemnation from many online, including members of the Sikh community and lawmakers across the political spectrum.
The Sikh community in Canada, of which I am a proud member, has a wide variety of political views.
More importantly, the Sikhs were a sustained force for good in Alberta and throughout the country.
Shame on those responsible for this despicable act of racism. https://t.co/WMYa46IIN0
– @ ChahalGeorge
George Chahal, a Liberal Liberal MP from Skyview, tweeted: “The Sikhs have been an unwavering force for good in Alberta and across the country. Shame on those responsible for this despicable act of racism. “
Jasraj Singh Halan, a Conservative MP from Calgary Forest Lawn, also spoke on Twitter about the float.
“This is absolutely disgusting. Such actions have no place in Canada. This must be condemned most severely by all,” he wrote.
This is absolutely disgusting. Such actions have no place in Canada. This must be condemned most strongly by all. https://t.co/y9OZNcXbYI
– @jasrajshallan
The organizers of the rodeo, which takes place about 90 kilometers northwest of Calgary, said the parade “is designed to be a community holiday.”
“The committee is committed to celebrating the community and demonstrating a positive family experience,” they added.
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