Jewish advocacy organization, North Bay mayor condemn ‘Bigotfest’ planned near the city

The mayor of North Bay and a Jewish advocacy organization are condemning a weekend gathering that appears to be taking place somewhere in the area— that organizers themselves are calling “Bigotfest”— saying hate and discrimination have no place in the community.

The three-day event, scheduled for July 24 to 26, has been promoted on social media by prominent members and associates of Second Sons Canada, a group that describes itself as a “Canadian men’s nationalist club” founded in 2024.

On its website, Second Sons says it’s committed to defending what it claims is a threatened way of life through political activism and fitness training.

“We’re deeply concerned with the rise of the Second Sons and with the danger that they present to Canadian society,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s director of research and advocacy. 

“They’re opposed to Canadian values, they’re virulently racist, they’re anti-Semitic.”

He said the Jewish advocacy organization learned of “Bigotfest” through its ongoing monitoring of extremist activity and believes this event is an attempt to normalize hateful ideology. 

Second Sons was inspired by militant white nationalist groups in other countries, according to the Canadian Anti-Hate Network.

A previous CBC visual investigation found leaders of the organization welcome neo-Nazis into the group, call the official statistics of the Holocaust the product of “propagandists,” use racist slurs and say Canadian politicians should be executed. 

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue, an international think tank that studies extremism, describes Second Sons’ ideology as rooted in conspiratorial claims that white populations are being replaced by non-white people “through a combination of immigration, procreation and policy decisions.”

“Discrimination has no place in North Bay,” says mayor

Promotional material posted on various social media platforms advertises “Bigotfest” as “family fun for all,” with attendees invited to camp in tents or trailers while taking part in activities including fights, a pig roast, pugil stick competitions, knife throwing and children’s games. 

While the exact location has not been confirmed, associates and members of Second Sons have said the event is set to take place somewhere in North Bay. 

North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico said the city is aware of information circulating online about a possible event, but has not confirmed whether it is actually taking place or where it may be held.

“I want to be clear that, if this event is taking place, it is not taking place on municipal property,” Chirico said in a statement to CBC News. 

“Any activity intended to promote racism, hate or discrimination has no place in North Bay. Our community values respect, inclusion and the right of everyone to feel safe and welcome.”

Chirico said the city has been in contact with North Bay Police, which is aware of the information circulating online.

In a media release, North Bay Police said they are aware of a possible gathering involving individuals “whose views have raised community concerns.”

“The right to lawful expression and peaceful assembly is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” the statement reads. “Police remain impartial and are committed to protecting these rights while ensuring the safety and security of everyone in our community.”

The police service said there’s an important distinction between expression that may be offensive or unpopular and behaviour that constitutes a criminal offence.

“Threats, violence, hate-motivated offences, or any other criminal behaviour will not be tolerated,” said North Bay Police. 

“Any suspected criminal activity will be thoroughly investigated and may result in arrests and charges.”

Police are encouraging people to avoid confronting individuals associated with the gathering and instead report suspicious or criminal behaviour.

The latest planned gathering comes just weeks after Second Sons drew criticism for appearing at a Sudbury memorial dedicated to people who have died from drug overdoses. 

Images shared online by the group showed members posing outside a downtown parking garage covered in graffiti featuring the word “remigration” and stencilled images of Adolf Hitler. 

‘Awful but lawful’

“Bigotfest” is also expected to feature a “trade show” with vendors from “local businesses.”

Social media posts mention an online business that sells magnets and stickers bearing slogans including “mass deportations now,” “I wish I was speaking German” and “racism could save your life” is planning to attend.

The event poster also promises vendors selling Diagolon merchandise. That group was named in a 2022 House of Commons report as an example of “ideologically motivated violent extremism.” 

“This is organizers trying to bring together those who have hateful and racist views to advance their ideology and really to monetize hate, selling merchandise with hateful slogans on it,” Robertson said. “That has no place in our society.”

He added that events like this can embolden extremists by providing opportunities to network, recruit supporters and normalize racist and antisemitic beliefs in public settings.

“Just because something might be awful, but lawful, doesn’t mean that it’s any less dangerous or that it should be ignored,” Robertson said.

CBC News contacted the organizers seeking comment and asking about the event’s purpose and their reaction to the characterizations made by B’nai Brith Canada. 

A response sent from an email address associated with the organizers of “Bigotfest” did not answer those questions.