Mayor's statement on building understanding through conversation

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster has issued the following statement.  

“Last evening, members of our community came together to send a clear and powerful message: hate has no place in Clarington.  

I was pleased to join a packed hall of Clarington residents, local business owners and leaders at a community-organized event focused on listening, learning and understanding one another. People of all faiths, including Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and more, stood together to share a voice and underline that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, and that hatred directed at any group is a threat to us all. 

Clarington's strength has never come from everyone sharing the same background, faith or life experience. Our strength comes from the values we share—respect, compassion and a commitment to looking out for one another. We are not strong because we come from the same place. We are strong because we have chosen to come to the same place: a community where everyone can belong. This is the Clarington I’m proud to live in.  

I’d like to thank the organizers for creating space for these important conversations, and everyone who participated so openly and respectfully. I also want to recognize the many community leaders who have spoken up in support of Clarington’s values and continue to champion inclusion, respect and belonging. These voices reflect the very best of Clarington: courage, compassion, and a determination to stand together in the face of hate. 

Let us continue that work—not only in moments of challenge, but every day—by choosing kindness over division, facts over misinformation, and community over fear.  

We condemn Islamophobia, racism, and all forms of hate. Together, we will continue to build a Clarington where every resident knows they are welcome, they are valued, and they are safe.