Bands pull out of July 1 show in Surrey over racism

Three musical groups slated to headline a virtual Canada Day celebration in Surrey have pulled out of the event to protest what they say is that city’s lack of commitment to dismantle systemic racism.

The groups Mother Mother, Said The Whale and The Beaches have all posted statements on social media saying they will not take part in the virtual celebration on July 1.

A statement from Said The Whale says the band learned early last week of a petition asking Surrey to address anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Band members say they have signed the petition but believe their only option is to pull out of the festival after receiving no response from

Surrey council to a letter they sent urging action.

Mayor Doug McCallum issued a statement Thursday saying that as recently as Monday, he voiced his opposition to racism but he did not reference the petition or any planned response to it.

Surrey’s virtual Canada Day event is to be hosted by Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser and also feature performances by Bif Naked, 54-40 and Colin James.

The statement from the band, Mother Mother, says it stepped away from the event to show solidarity with those working against entrenched, ongoing racism.

“It has been brought to our attention that despite a petition from the community with over 3,000 signatures, the City of Surrey’s leaders have not publicly committed to dismantling racism and have been unwilling to engage in a dialogue with the organizers of the petition,” says the band’s Twitter post.

A similar post by The Beaches calls on its fans to sign the petition and support people of colour in Surrey.

The mayor says in his statement that Surrey has made gains building cultural diversity, inclusion and respect but is “constantly looking” for ways to strengthen those commitments because racism has not been eradicated.