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
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.