Yellow vest protesters have been in the news recently, voicing their concerns with a number of federal policies and the country's leadership.

Swift Current's seen a smattering of them out in front of city hall each weekend for the past month.

One key point for protesters is Canada signing on to a non-binding United Nations Immigration Pact. But some people say that's just blanketed racism.

Joey Donnelly lives in the RM of Excelsior, and said the protests drive people apart from each other. He's also the information services advisor at the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre in Swift Current, but made it clear he wasn't speaking on behalf of the organization.

"I think the yellow vest protesters are misguided," Donnelly said. "What began as an austerity movement in France is something much uglier in Swift Current, and I think people have to really stop and think about whether or not they want to support this group. The main problem that I have with them has to do with their stance on immigration. They're using talking points about the United Nations in regards to a non-binding United Nations agreement as a dog whistle to stoke fear about immigration, and I think it's really important that people stand up and support our newcomers in our community."

Swift Current Mayor Denis Perrault has honked and waved at the protesters, saying it's because he embraces free speech and wants to see the country more unified.

But Donnelly said the mayor's actions don't come across that way.

"He's left the impression that he supports these protesters, when in fact they're causing a lot of harm to the newcomer community in Swift Current and the region. I think his tacit support for these protesters is a very dangerous and foolish thing to do."

Donnelly said Perrault should be looking at the immigrants primarily for who would be able to get Swift Current to his goal of 25,000 people by 2025.

"When [Perrault] talks about growth in the city, the first thing that comes out of his mouth is the business community of Swift Current, when it's in fact the newcomers, the temporary forgeign residents, the permanent residents, the refugees who are paying taxes, working in our community, and starting new businesses, the mayor and council have pledged 25,000 people by the year 2025; however they just don't stand on guard for our newcomer community. How else are we going to grow our community but through immigration and by being supportive of our newcomer community."

Read also: Swift Current not an exception to worldwide protesting

Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration