COQUITLAM, B.C., September 25, 2023 – The City of Coquitlam is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equity, diversity and inclusion for all its residents. We are aware of the exclusionary and racist notices posted in our community, promoting activities that run counter to these principles.
The notice in question promotes activities that explicitly exclude certain groups based on their racial background, this is the definition of racism. We want to make it unequivocally clear that such practices and sentiments have no place in our city. Discrimination and prejudice have no place in our society, as they run contrary to the values that we uphold as a community.
Coquitlam celebrates its rich diversity, and we firmly believe that it is through the embrace of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that we grow stronger as a community. We reject any attempt to create division or foster an environment where children are separated based on their racial or ethnic backgrounds.
We understand the importance of creating spaces where children feel comfortable and included, and we believe that these spaces should be inclusive of all races and backgrounds. Coquitlam encourages initiatives that promote unity, understanding and appreciation of the differences that make our community inclusive.
We stand firmly against any message that promotes racism, discrimination, exclusion or harm to any individual or group. We encourage open and respectful dialogue that brings our community together.
The Coquitlam RCMP are in the process of investigating the notices, and City staff will be immediately removing all notices posted on public property as they are made aware of them. Members of the public who have information to report on this matter are encouraged to call the RCMP’s non-emergency number at 604-945-1550.
To learn more about the City’s actions and initiatives to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, visit coquitlam.ca/EDI.
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager, Communications and Civic Engagement
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3019
media@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.