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By Claire Loewen

Despite efforts from anti-fascist protesters to shut them down, a far-right group called La Meute said its planned demonstration in Quebec City on Sunday was “a success.”

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The group was protesting the policies of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Philippe Couillard “in the face of the scourge of illegal immigration.” It calls for stronger border control in light of the recent increase in asylum seekers crossing the Canadian border from the United States.

Photo by Dave Sidaway/Montreal Gazette

Since July 1, nearly 6,800 people have streamed across the border from the U.S. into Quebec at an unofficial crossing to claim asylum. By comparison, only 2,920 claims were filed in Quebec in all of 2015.

The group considers itself nationalist, not racist.

Some of La Meute’s members – about 200 of them – waited about five hours inside a parking garage behind the National Assembly for counter protesters to disperse outside before engaging in a silent march.

Quebec City police said Sunday evening that one person had been arrested and three police officers that had to be treated after being exposed to a chemical irritant launched by protesters. They said La Meute’s protest was orderly and lawful.