Regional councillors take stand against hate
Motion makes clear racism, homophobia are public health crisis
Regional Council unanimously passed a resolution acknowledging racism and discrimination continue to persist in Niagara — and promising to do its part to help eradicate it.
A series of speakers at the start of the Thursday night meeting shared their perspectives on transphobia, homophobia and racism as a public health crisis.
Jennifer Dockstader, the executive director of Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, was one of the speakers. “I have to say not much has changed in all the years I have been in Niagara when it comes to racism.
“A month ago, a family contacted the Friendship Centre because her eight-year-old child was screamed at by a neighbour, who called her people animals.
“This is an example of the trouble this brings. The family asked us, ‘How do we have this conversation about racism because we know this won’t be the only time she experiences this.’”
Conspicuous by his absence was West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma, who sent his regrets before the meeting, which was held via video-conferencing with councillors taking part from their home offices.
Bylsma is on a vacation with his family in the Kawarthas that was planned before the pandemic hit. “I don’t duck meetings,” he said.
Bylsma ignited controversy during a radio interview with CKTB earlier this month when he said identity politics is not working.
“There are always going to be injustices, correct,” he told host Matt Holmes. “But in terms of rights, what are they, what are anyone who’s flying a flag whether that’s Black Lives Matter in America or the Pride flag, what are they still fighting for? Is it necessary? Or have they won?”
The incident culminated with West Lincoln raising the Pride flag for the first time after Bylsma released a statement.
Bylsma apologized if any individual or group felt their worth was not recognized by his comments and reaffirmed his belief that every Canadian should be treated with dignity and respect.
Joining Dockstader and sharing their experiences were Rebecca Dyck, a wound-healing specialist from Campden; Magdolene Dykstra, a teacher from St. Catharines; Robin Mcburney and Angela Menotti of Niagara Falls; Khadija Hammuda, a social worker from St. Catharines; and Rev. Sandi Mansfield of Niagara Falls. “The lived experience we heard about this evening should highlight how much we have ahead of us,” Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop said. “It should also disabuse any of us who think this will be an easy task.
“The first step, as heard from Mayor Walter Sendzik, is to listen … We also have to act, and that’s the direction of the motion.”
The motion, which was introduced by St. Catharines Coun. Laura Ip, acknowledged racism, homophobia, transphobia and all forms of discrimination or oppression as public health issues and committed the council to use an equity, diversity and inclusion lens in all future decision-making.
“Tonight might be the most important meeting we have this term of council,” said Port Colborne Coun. Barb Butters.
“This is an opportunity that has been a longtime coming, and I want to thank the women who have spoken tonight. They have expressed their truth. They are authentic.
“It’s the real deal. These are powerful, strong women, and let me tell you, you are making a real difference tonight.”