RCMP Investigate Man in Nazi Uniform Seen Trick-or-Treating in Nova Scotia
The RCMP are investigating after a man wearing what appeared to be a Nazi uniform was photographed trick-or-treating in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, on Halloween. Local officials condemned the act amid rising antisemitic incidents across Canada.
A man wearing what appeared to be a Nazi uniform was seen trick-or-treating in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, on Halloween Saturday, prompting an RCMP investigation and widespread condemnation from local leaders.
Paige Hoveling, a local mother, photographed the man after seeing him push a stroller while wearing a dark uniform with a red armband featuring a swastika. She alerted her neighbours and shared the image on social media. On Tuesday, the RCMP confirmed they are investigating a complaint about the social media post showing the man wearing a swastika.
Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Andy Fillmore stated that the symbols represent hatred, antisemitism, and atrocities, and encouraged the individual to consider the harm caused. Trish Purdy, the HRM councillor for the district, described wearing a Nazi uniform as a costume as "morally repugnant."
Cole Harbour is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Halifax. Community members reported feeling unsafe and alarmed by the display of hate symbols.
Ben Sichel from Independent Jewish Voices in Halifax noted that expressions of hate from far-right groups are becoming more normalized. The incident occurs against a backdrop of rising antisemitism nationwide. Jewish advocacy group B’nai Brith logged 6,800 antisemitic incidents in Canada last year, the highest number since data collection began in 1982.
The Canadian government recently passed the Combatting Hate Act, which creates new Criminal Code offences for hate-motivated intimidation, including the intentional display of certain Nazi symbols.