Nooses found at several construction sites in Toronto
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is calling on local police to conduct a full investigation of “racist hate crimes” and prosecute those who are responsible after several nooses were discovered in construction sites in the province.
“These are disturbing and shocking racially motivated incidents that are denounced by everyone who works in our industry. These are acts of cowardice and racism that have no place in our industry nor society. The perpetrators must be caught and prosecuted,” says Richard Lyall, RESCON president.
“Our industry and members have zero tolerance for racism and discriminatory behaviour of any kind. Hanging a noose is a hate crime. These perpetrators will be terminated and no longer welcome in the industry.”
Four nooses have been discovered at different construction sites in Toronto, according to media reports. Two were found at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, one was discovered on Bay Street in Toronto and another was found in the Regent Park neighbourhood.
“We are shocked and disgusted by the racist, hateful actions that have recently taken place on Toronto construction sites. The guilty individual(s) must be identified and prosecuted,” tweeted the Canadian Construction Association.
“While there is still work to be done, we are pleased and hopeful to see other industry stakeholders standing together in solidarity against hate. There is no place for racism and hate in our industry.”
The Michael Garron hospital called for supporters to post artwork at the construction site and received hundreds of responses.
“The community’s artwork and banners have wrapped our construction site like a big, supportive hug. We encourage the movement of being united against hate and want to thank our community for this visible act of support” says Sarah Downey, president and CEO of the hospital.
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