Peterborough Police Have Growing Concerns of Increased Recent Hate Bias Incidents

Hate bias incidents have been a growing concern for the Peterborough Police Service after posters from the Dominion Society of Canada have surfaced in recent days.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the Peterborough Police, the posters have appeared in the area of Douro Street and Rotary Trail and reflect the group’s stance on immigration, including remigration.

Peterborough Police state that while they understand the posters are controversial and many may not agree with this group's policy stance, the posters do not currently rise to the level of a hate crime.

The Peterborough Police Service wants to be made aware of hate-based incidents and thank those who brought the flyers to their attention.

 “There is no room for hate in our community at any time,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “The number one goal of the Peterborough Police Service is public safety, and the Service is committed to this goal. In this instance, what we are seeing does not rise to the level of criminality. There are currently laws within the Criminal Code that can assist and lead to charges.  As the community has seen, most recently last week (Aug. 13) when a Peterborough resident was arrested and charged for online comments, when grounds for charges exist, the Peterborough Police Service will apply them.”

Residents can report incidents through the online reporting portal.

Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:

“It has come to my attention that the Dominion Society of Canada, an organization identified by the Canadian Anti-Hate Network as a white nationalist group, has been putting up posters across our City.

City staff are following the City’s Reporting Vandalism and Hate Bias Incidents Procedure, which includes notifying the Peterborough Police Service. All incidents that are motivated by hate or bias are addressed with seriousness and sensitivity.

The City of Peterborough and its residents are committed to fostering a community that is welcoming, respectful, safe, and inclusive for all. We want to ensure that Peterborough is a place where everyone feels like they belong.

We have zero tolerance for hate and hate-motivated acts, particularly those motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate toward identifiable groups. Hate is not welcome in our City – full stop.”

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