Following the “senseless murder” of George Floyd, Durham has come out strongly against racism with statements from Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) as well as Durham Region CEO and mayors of Oshawa and Pickering.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the mayors of Whitby and Ajax [see below] had issued statements condemning racism of any kind.
Yesterday, Chief Paul Martin said DRPS stands with our Black community to speak out against racism and promote understanding. We are committed to supporting change and pursuing equality.
In an open letter to community members, Chief Martin said: “Like you, we have been greatly impacted by the events happening around the globe. What took place in Minnesota last week has brought to the fore, histories and contemporary realities of pain, systemic discrimination and oppression.
“DRPS) stands with our Black colleagues and the larger community to speak out against racism and promote understanding. We are committed to supporting change and pursuing equality.
Kneeling on a human being’s neck
He said members of DRPS chose policing as a means to contribute positively to community—to help make our communities safer. “We do not support, nor condone, nor practice, in any fashion, kneeling on a human being’s neck, long past the point of consciousness.
“We acknowledge that the time to build alliances, seek solutions and implement change is long overdue. But we are here, and confident that together we can foster a safer and more equitable and inclusive community to live, work and play.
Chief Martin said: “Many of you have reached out to us to express your frustration, to inquire about what we will do next and to investigate what strategies we are employing to ensure that this doesn’t happen here. We acknowledge that there have been times that we have failed you in the past. Please know that we are committed to continuously improving our training, education, conduct and accountability practices, and to listening to the collective voices of the communities of Durham Region.
“We want to help foster open and regular dialogue,” he added.
Regional Chair asks community to stand together
John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham, said: “Recently, our global community has been shaken to the core, following senseless acts of racism. Many of you are likely feeling a wide range of emotions; trying to understand how these unnecessary acts of violence could occur.
“The fight against racism and discrimination is one we all support here in Durham. Remember, we are all human beings; loved by those around us. We need to accept others for who they are, rather than defining people by their beliefs, culture, identity, language, or the colour of their skin,” he said.
He said residents can be proud that Durham Region is a welcoming place. A place where residents speak almost every language and represent many cultures.
Acknowledge that racism still exists
“And while we embrace inclusivity and diversity here in Durham Region, I acknowledge that racism still exists, and that there is more work to be done. Let’s use our differences to create opportunities. To ensure civility and respect remain community cornerstones. To showcase why inclusion has been a long-standing core value in our Strategic Plan.
“Together, we can push diversity and inclusion forward. Let’s stand together for equality; working together to eliminate racism, discrimination and marginalization. Let’s stand together to make a difference,” Henry added.
Against violence, racism and bigotry: Oshawa Mayor
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter joined all those who have condemned and are horrified by the senseless death of George Floyd.
“While we watch these events unfold in the United States, we must acknowledge that racism is real – it exists around the world, across Canada and here in Oshawa – and we must all be part of the solution.”
He said as your mayor, “I have spent the past week reflecting on this senseless death, recognizing that many others have lost their lives in similar tragic events. As leaders and as a community, we must listen to understand and expand our knowledge so we can continue to address the systemic issues of racism and bigotry in our communities.
We are here for you and we are listening
“I have been continuing conversations with leaders in our black community – listening to how we can do better as a community and support those around us who experience discrimination. To community members who are hurting or have experienced racism, we are here for you and we are listening,” Mayor Carter said.
He said Oshawa stands together against violence, racism and bigotry. City Council is committed to being part of the solution, to eliminating systemic barriers in our city, workplace and the greater community and to standing united in the fight against racism.
“In the words of Rev. Martin Luther King, ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that’. We must come together to unite against racism and keep the conversation going. We must all be part of the change, let us be the light,” he added.
Pickering: More decisive actions to combat the dark underbelly
George Floyd’s tragic and disturbing death has shocked the world and galvanized millions of people to protest anti-Black racism in the United States, across Canada, and around the world. The City of Pickering and its Council stand in solidarity with them, said a city statement.
“As one of the most diverse municipalities in our nation, Pickering embodies Canada’s renowned cultural mosaic. However, we have a moral and collective obligation to address the systemic racism that permeates all facets of our society, and the trauma it inflicts upon so many of our racialized residents, particularly in our Black community.
Concerted effort to eliminate racism and bigotry
“While we take pride in all that we have done to promote diversity, we must take more decisive actions to combat the dark underbelly. Yes, we will continue to celebrate the beauty of our various cultures and what makes us unique, but we will also make a concerted effort to eliminate racism and bigotry in all of their ugly forms,” the statement said.
“Not being racist is no longer enough. Being silent on these matters only emboldens those who seek to oppress. Let’s not be the silent majority. Instead, let’s unite our voices and actions against intolerance and injustice. We must do better. We can do better. And we will look to all of you to help us achieve this overarching goal,” it added.
ALSO READ AJAX, WHITBY STATEMENTS HERE: