Why antifascism is and will always be essential

On the 30th of May, the neofascist group called Second Sons Canada showed up in Shawinigan. The Front Pop firmly condemn this act of heinous propaganda, which demonstrates, once again, all the importance of antifascist mobilization. But their stunt should not overshadow the rise of far right ideas in the media and political worlds.

The accusations of a surge in violence among young people with immigrant backgrounds made by the leader of the Parti Québécois, as reported in an article in the Journal de Montréal on July 31, 2025 (accusations contradicted by IRIS in a press release on August 20, 2025), as well as Minister Roberge’s call for Quebecers to “wake up” to the assault of “radical Islamism” against Quebec institutions, noted in an article on October 1, 2025, are just a few examples among many others.

The normalization of hate speech in a segment of the population is also a very concerning reality. An article published by La Presse on the 3rd of June, written by Audrey Licop (from the Montreal’s Holocaust museum), mentions a recent poll that indicates that 59% of canadians think Canada welcomes “too many muslims persons” and that 41% of those polled have a negative image of muslims. The creation of scapegoats, that is to say, blaming the issues our country is facing on a specific group of people in our society, has a specific goal : avoiding any kind of reflection on a system that doesn’t discriminate when it comes to exploiting people.

However, that are ways to fight back against the normalization of this hatred. Getting involved in our communities, for instance. We must organize and denounce these hateful ideas that destroy our social fabric. In your everyday life, do not let those racist comments go by unanswered. On social media, feel free to confront bigots. Do not allow the far right to monopolize the media space.

It is essential to put forward a counter-discourse in the public space.

Whether you may be an office worker, a construction worker or a business owner, please do share your indignation at the racism propagated in certain media as well as in the public discourse. Antifascism is not about showing up to a protest once a year, it has to be lived in everyday, with our friends, our families, our colleagues. Clicking “like” doesn’t cut it. We have to say it loud and clear : hate speech has no place in Québec.