By JILL MAHONEY
Globe and Mail Update

http://www.globeandmail.ca/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030329.wprot0329_3/BNStory/National

Red Deer, Alta. ? The rift in Canadian public opinion over the U.S.-led war on Iraq was evident on the streets of several cities Saturday as demonstrators turned out to air their opposing views.

In the central Alberta city of Red Deer, about 500 people gathered to show their support for coalition troops in Iraq and to denounce the Chr?tien government’s refusal to sanction the U.S.-led mission.

Dressed in red, white and blue clothing, many of the crowd carried Canadian, American and British flags and signs proclaiming “Peace is for pussies”, “Canada MIA,” “Freedom is Not Free” and “We back our brothers”. One little boy in a white Stetson hat carried a United States Marine Corps flag.

Braving chilly wind and rain, thousands also rallied on Parliament Hill to cheer on American forces and to boo Canada’s decision to remain on the sidelines.

Chanting “U.S.A” and “Chretien’s got to go,” there were few young faces to be found in the crowd of about 4,000. Many showed their support for Canada’s traditional allies ? members of the coalition force advancing on Baghdad ? by waving American, British and Australian flags. Others carried anti-Liberal placards bearing slogans such as “Chr?tien You’re the Real Bastard” and “Regime Change in Canada Now.”

Dressed as the Statue of Liberty and carrying a sign saying “The Big Mouth Does Not Speak for Us All,” California-born Canadian citizen Jennifer Hill, 33, said she’s “embarassed” at Canada’s failure to back Washington in the war.

Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper, who has hectored the government all week over its failure to join the war, made a brief appearance toward the end of the rally to address the crowd.

“We are so thankful and we are so touched that you are standing with us, stand behind our American friends, our British friends and the Canadian troops that have been abandoned by our government,” he said.

The rally was mainly peaceful with only one minor confrontation between an anti-war protester and members of the pro-coalition rally. Carrying a placard and chanting peace slogans, the man was escorted off the Hill by police after members of the crowd began shoving him.

Demonstrators at the rally in Red Deer signed books of support ? which organizers said would be forwarded to U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci ? and donated money to take out an ad in a U.S. newspaper.

“You’re all very proud people, that’s why you’re here,” Ivan Dains, a rally organizer, told the crowd. Mr. Dains, a former rodeo competitor who now raises quarter horses, sang the American anthem and then the Canadian anthem. The U.S. anthem received heartier cheers and some rallygoers booed when the Canadian flag was carried up on stage.

Don Munro, who also helped organize the demonstration at Red Deer City Hall, urged participants to e-mail and phone the White House with messages of support for the military action and said a videotape of the rally would be sent to coalition troops.

“We are here also to let our American neighbours know that we are their friends and we support them in their righteous cause to bring freedom to the people in Iraq,” he said.

Several public figures attended the rally, including Alliance MPs Bob Mills and Myron Thompson and Alberta senator-elect Ted Morton. A representative of the provincial Progressive Conservatives, which are holding their annual convention in the city, dropped by to tell organizers the party is behind their efforts.

Mr. Mills said the efforts of the U.S. and its allies in Iraq will benefit Canadian security and that many Canadians cannot countenance their government’s stance.

“This rally isn’t against peace, this rally isn’t against Canada. This rally is because of a government that has embarrassed us,” he said.

Many motorists who passed the rally honked their horns in support. But not all backed the demonstration. One woman shouted a profanity as she drove by.