Nanaimo anti-racism rally postponed due to threats of violence
B.C.'s Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives says she's disappointed to hear that an anti-racism rally planned for the Nanaimo and Ladysmith area was postponed over the weekend due to reported threats of violence.
Rachna Singh says that an anti-racism car rally, hosted by the Resilience BC anti-racism network, was pushed back after organizers "received threats of physical violence" on the weekend.
The rally was set to take place around National Indigenous Peoples Day, when many communities across the province were raising the flags of local First Nations or hosting events that spread awareness and support for residential school survivors on Monday.
"These threats are unacceptable and will not be tolerated," said Singh in a statement Tuesday. "I strongly condemn the behaviour of these individuals and offer my support to the staff and organizers of the car rally and all their community partners."
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says the city shares the province's disappointment with the postponed event.
"On behalf of Nanaimo City Council I wish to express my sincere disappointment in response to the recent postponement of a Resilience BC anti-racism network rally in Nanaimo due to threats of violence," he said in a statement Tuesday.
"Anti-racism rallies are not 'Anti-White' rallies," he said. "As a society, we must accept that unfortunately, even in 2021, racism exists. And, in order to have a future free from racism and hate, we must learn and take actionable steps to end both racism and hate.
Singh says that the recent threats highlight the need for British Columbians to continue standing against racism in the province.
"We must come together as a society to speak out against racism and show our support for Nanaimo and Ladysmith, as well as other communities in the province that are experiencing racism," she said.
Singh did not say when the event will be rescheduled, but promised to attend the next car rally.
"The threats of violence will not scare or intimidate us into submission. It only strengthens our resolve," she said.
Anyone who witnesses or is the victim of a hate crime in B.C. is asked to contact the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network online here for support, says Singh.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries 'Roots,' has died. He was 87.