Canadian Fire Department Issues Apology for Members' KKK Costumes
A group of firefighters in Nova Scotia is facing allegations of racism following an incident where guests dressed as Klansmen were permitted entry to their Halloween party. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
A Canadian fire department has come under fire after a group of guests attended its annual Halloween party dressed in the white robes and hoods associated with the Ku Klux Klan. In response to accusations of racism, the department has issued an apology.
On Saturday, four individuals arrived at the North Sydney Firefighters Club in Nova Scotia in KKK attire. Viral photos showed them mingling with other partygoers, one holding a wooden cross.
In a Facebook statement released Sunday night, the firefighters club clarified that “these four individuals are in no way, shape or form associated with our organization.”
When asked how the guests were allowed entry in such costumes, Fire Chief Lloyd MacIntosh acknowledged to Global News on Monday that “a mistake was made,” adding that volunteers at the event later removed the wooden cross from one of the attendees.
“The situation at the North Sydney Firefighters club is not who we are or what we stand for,” Deputy Fire Chief Wade Gouthro expressed in a Facebook post. “The members of North Sydney and myself are very sorry from the bottom of our hearts and we ask for your forgiveness. We would certainly never intentionally hurt or insult anyone regardless of race, color, orientation or religion. I can also tell you to be referred to as racists hurts bad.”
The Ku Klux Klan, which formed following the American Civil War, is one of the oldest extremist groups in the United States. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, with its membership peaking in the early 20th century at around six million, including prominent figures such as a Supreme Court justice and various state governors. Historically, the KKK has had a presence outside the US, even establishing a chapter in Saskatchewan.
Today, the modern KKK has significantly diminished, with estimates suggesting its membership has dwindled to less than 3,000 in the US, even acknowledged by its staunch opponents.
Local police in North Sydney are currently investigating the incident to determine if a hate crime was involved.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
On Saturday, four individuals arrived at the North Sydney Firefighters Club in Nova Scotia in KKK attire. Viral photos showed them mingling with other partygoers, one holding a wooden cross.
In a Facebook statement released Sunday night, the firefighters club clarified that “these four individuals are in no way, shape or form associated with our organization.”
When asked how the guests were allowed entry in such costumes, Fire Chief Lloyd MacIntosh acknowledged to Global News on Monday that “a mistake was made,” adding that volunteers at the event later removed the wooden cross from one of the attendees.
“The situation at the North Sydney Firefighters club is not who we are or what we stand for,” Deputy Fire Chief Wade Gouthro expressed in a Facebook post. “The members of North Sydney and myself are very sorry from the bottom of our hearts and we ask for your forgiveness. We would certainly never intentionally hurt or insult anyone regardless of race, color, orientation or religion. I can also tell you to be referred to as racists hurts bad.”
The Ku Klux Klan, which formed following the American Civil War, is one of the oldest extremist groups in the United States. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, with its membership peaking in the early 20th century at around six million, including prominent figures such as a Supreme Court justice and various state governors. Historically, the KKK has had a presence outside the US, even establishing a chapter in Saskatchewan.
Today, the modern KKK has significantly diminished, with estimates suggesting its membership has dwindled to less than 3,000 in the US, even acknowledged by its staunch opponents.
Local police in North Sydney are currently investigating the incident to determine if a hate crime was involved.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
