15 Comments

Racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism and any form of hatred is NOT acceptable here or anywhere. Thanks for writing about this unacceptable event in our community to remind all of us that each of us is responsible for making Campbellford a welcoming place for everyone.

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I think that this incident reflects more life in Campbellford than we’d like to admit. I became friends with the Indian family that ran the Ultramar gas station on Front Street, and they told me that numerous locals called them Pakies, and were hateful to their son. They left town. This town is chock block full of racism. We had a black couple that were guests in our Airbnb, and booked a 2 week stay. They left after 4 days because they said that they felt uncomfortable walking around town and eating at restaurants here. They wouldn’t be specific with us about what exactly happened, but something obviously did.

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To echo Rodney, this is really important to highlight, but unfortunately the Mayor sounds pretty naive about the state of racism in Ontario.

It is rare that an individual would take the time to reach out, but I highly doubt incidents like these are rare. POC have experiences like this regularly, especially in communities that are predominantly white, and even moreso with the ever increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric.

This should be just the beginning of a much larger conversation for the community. I hope the Mayor takes the opportunity to seek out more stories because they undoubtedly exist.

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How embarrassing. It's distressing that this appalling behaviour persists. I do hope you post this on Facebook. Everyone should be aware that bigotry is NOT acceptable in this or any other community.

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I’m so sorry no one stepped in. If you condone a wrong you’re part of it as far as I’m concerned! Shameful.

There isn’t anyone better than the next unless choosing to have bad behavior. This comment was just that!! Again many have your back and you are valuable and so is your family!!

We better watch what we say and do it will come back and not always us, sometimes the children etc. A public apology would be a good place to start. You are going to want to make this right I pray.

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The not stepping in is the more loathsome act, in a way. Ignorant, hateful lowlifes will always be among us. It’s like the US media allowing Trump’s lies to go unchecked, and republicans turning a blind eye to the scum politics that their nominee uses. Anything to get elected, and anything not to have a confrontation that might spoil a perfectly nice day at the chocolate factory. Sickening apathy. It will be the death of all we hold in high esteem.

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Blame for these interactions rests solely on our divisive government.

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author

Racism has been a problem for thousands of years. Not sure how you blame Doug Ford for it.

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- I didn't blame Ford.

- I didn't blame racism on our divisive government.

- I didn't imply xenophobia hasn't always and won't always exist.

Thanks for engaging though, I guess?

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