Waterloo Region discussing formal anti-racism campaign
A Waterloo man is calling on the Region of Waterloo to do more to combat racism.
Ashwin Annamalai told councillors Wednesday night about incidents of hate he and his friends have been experiencing.
“One morning, about a month and a half ago, it all culminated when Shiva and I were verbally berated and pushed in downtown Kitchener on a public sidewalk, just because someone did not like the way we looked and the color of our skin,” Annamalai said.
“It started with the small things. You know, people don't smile back when you are walking on the street or they don't greet, when I say ‘good morning’ or ‘hello.’ But then it's turned quite aggressive now. People show us the finger when we're walking on the street, or they ask us to explicitly go back,” delegate Shiva Subramanian said.
Annamalai called on council to run a regional anti-racism campaign.
“If we continue to let our region spiral into more racism, the best and the brightest in the world are not going to come here to study. We lose out on attracting talent. Even people who wish to attend diploma-mills would choose to go to other cities that are safer than ours,” Annamalai said.
Annamalai suggested advertising through radio, television, billboards and Grand River Transit while also bringing grassroot organizations together.
Annamalai earlier spoke to CTV about an incident he experienced last week.
Councillor Colleen James became emotional when she discussed the situation at the council meeting on Wednesday.
“While I couldn't show my daughter everything, a seven-year-old, I had to sit down and tell her don't let anyone tell you that you don't belong here. As someone who is from this community, I never thought that this would be the point that we're at today,” James said.
James asked staff to look at finding ways to address these issues of hate.
“I want to see something with that education component back to this council and coupled with communication and talks with the area municipalities. Some of us received a very, very hateful email a few days ago and that is just one of many. We have a significant crisis when it comes to racism and discrimination in this region,” James said.
“We all have to stand up for this in a gentle way. We have to be respectful and accept one another. That's the way to do it. No government can legislate respect. No government can legislate decency. It has to come from us each and every one of us,” Sue Foxton, a councillor with the Region of Waterloo said.
Chair Karen Redman told the delegates that regional staff will now look into the request for a formal campaign.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
5 million adults without primary care, but surgeries returning to normal: CIHI report
A new report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information says 83 per cent of adults in this country have a regular primary-care provider, but that still leaves 5.4 million adults without one.
W5 Investigates Heists, arson and a baseball bat brawl: the violent side of clothing donation bins
In part three of a four-part investigation into the seedy underbelly of the lucrative clothing donation bin industry, CTV W5's Jon Woodward and Joseph Loiero look into allegations that the industry is rife with organized crime activity.
Four people dead after vehicle crashes into guardrail in downtown Toronto
Four people are dead following a fiery crash in downtown Toronto that happened overnight on Lake Shore Boulevard.
Martha Stewart has the funniest reason for not wanting to do 'The Golden Bachelorette'
Martha Stewart may be hot in the kitchen, but she’s not looking to replicate that on a dating reality show.
Montreal's mayor is leaving politics, and she's not alone. Is it the toxic climate for women?
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante announced Wednesday she would not seek a third mandate. Her decision has many talking about the demands of municipal leadership, particularly for women.
Canada will cut its permanent immigration levels by at least 20 per cent
Canada will lower the number of permanent immigrants it allows into the country by at least 20 per cent from its previous target of 500,000, CTV News confirmed Wednesday.
CEO of N.B. potato chip company taking 'extended leave of absence' after arrest
The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.
Memorial growing outside Halifax Walmart where employee was found dead
A memorial is growing outside a Walmart in Halifax after a 19-year-old employee was found dead inside an oven in the store Saturday night.
Trudeau says Liberals 'strong and united' despite caucus dissent
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Liberal party is 'strong and united,' despite efforts from within his caucus to oust him as leader.