Ontario mayor speaking out against hate speech on local social media

With Pride month attracting a slew of homophobic comments and one post on illegal fishing drawing out racist rhetoric – as well as a variety personal attacks on anything political as the community heads into election season – Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster is reminding residents that “hate has no home in Clarington.”

“We are seeing a rise in personal attacks, hateful rhetoric, and threatening behaviour, both online and in our community,” Foster said of the increase in divisive chatter on social media. “This is not debate or dialogue. These comments are meant to harm. They spread disinformation, target individuals, and are designed to create fear and divide our community.”

Foster said Clarington residents and staff – “our friends and neighbours” – have been doxxed and subjected to racist, discriminatory, and threatening posts.

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster

“This is unacceptable. Harassment and hate undermine the values we stand for. If we ignore it, we allow it to grow,” the mayor said. “Enough is enough. Everyone in Clarington deserves to feel safe and welcome. Our community is built on respect, fairness, and inclusion. Each of us has a responsibility to uphold those values.”

Foster also brought forward a motion at Wednesday’s regional council motion on Islamaphobia and incitements to violence that passed unanimously.

“Everyone should feel welcome. Everyone should feel safe,” he said, adding that police are looking into some of the comments. “The harm is very real. The potential for violence is very real.”

Clarington Councillor Granville Anderson, who seconded the motion, and Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, who has seen numerous hate-inspired violence in her communty, both spoke in favour of Foster’s motion.

“There were 500-plus comments on one post. Keyboard warriors can say what they want,” Roy said. “But that’s not who we are.”

Foster said residents are encouraged to use a community-base program to report hate speech if they see it on social media channels.

“Choose respect over hostility,” he added. “Speak up when you see hate. Get your facts from a trustworthy source. If you see hate, speak up and report it. Defend the victims.”