Mohawk will work to ensure community safety

Re: Mohawk College should have declined ... (Sept. 26) Mohawk College has received several points of view about the event on Sept. 29, hosted by People’s Party of Canada. Some, like the writer of this opinion piece, have asked the college to cancel the event. Others, while expressing their concerns about the positions of the party, have encouraged us to allow it to take place.

McIntyre Performing Arts Centre is available for rent to the general public for performances, presentations and events. This particular event is a paid, ticketed forum, featuring members of a federal political party that has been recognized in the national dialogue — a party that has been invited to participate in nationally broadcast debates.

Mohawk College has been clear that the rental of this space does not represent an endorsement by the college of the views or values of this or any other event organizer.

Our rental policy states that our facilities should never be used for inciting hatred against any identifiable group in accordance with the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario Human Rights Code. All renters must abide by those laws.

The safety of our campuses, our students, staff and visitors, is critical for us. This event occurs after college business hours, in a theatre reserved for such functions, with access limited to ticket holders.

We are working with local authorities to ensure our Fennell Campus remains safe during the event and we ask all visitors to conduct themselves with respect for each other and for the law.

Alison Horton, Vice President, Corporate Services, Mohawk College