Hateful symbols or actions may be considered harassment under Edmonton’s public spaces bylaw
Carrying signs expressing hateful messages or symbols in Edmonton could soon land you a fine.
City council is in the process of updating what counts as harassment in its public spaces bylaw in the hopes of tackling some racist activity.
If the proposal passes, the penalty for displaying a hateful symbol would be a fine of $250 that increases for repeat offenders.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said he was alarmed last winter when tiki torches were lit by protesters attending an anti-mask and anti-pandemic restriction rally.
The torches have become recognized as a hate symbol, often displayed in the United States by groups like the Proud Boys.
“When I saw tiki-torch marches in downtown, for me, as a racialized person, it was a terrifying thing to see,” Sohi said.
In March, Dale McFee, Edmonton police chief, said how those symbols did not reach the threshold required to lay charges.
“We know that their presence represented racism and hate,” McFee said at the time.
- Hatred, COVID-19 skepticism denounced after anti-lockdown rally at Alta. legislature
- Edmonton police 'don't have the evidence' protesters' tiki torches were symbols of hate: chief
- Edmonton's police chief attempts to clarify position on symbols of hate
That’s why city council hopes to update bylaws to ensure law enforcement has more tools at their disposal.
Shalini Sinha, the city’s anti-racism advisory committee chair, is glad to see city councillors are considering adding hate symbols to the harassment section of the public spaces bylaw.
“Intent versus impact. Impact is what matters,” Sinha said.
“To give those who are targeted to come to the system and say, do you hear me, do you see me, do you stand up for me, is really important.”
While city council acknowledges enforcement could be tricky, administration hopes to work with anti-racism groups to establish a list of hate symbols and actions that would evolve over time.
“When you have hate symbols that are very fluid, I think it’s very important to look at the context in which they’re being used,” said Keren Tang, councillor for Karhiio.
“I do feel satisfied that we’re going to actually do engagement and work with communities that are affected by hate symbols to identify a list and have it be less discretionary on the part of the bylaw officer,” said Erin Rutherford, councillor for Anirniq.
Council will debate the bylaw in two weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.