Latest news with #HumanRightsTribunalofOntario
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Toronto Sun
KINSELLA: Complaint filed after Ontario farm accused of refusing to hire Israeli
Evermeadow, a self-described 'regenerative' farm near Cobourg, facing human rights tribunal hearing The website homepage of Evermeadow, a self-described 'regenerative' farm near Cobourg. An Ontario farm that has received federal funding is being taken to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario — for allegedly refusing to hire a man because he is an Israeli. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account As revealed in the Toronto Sun last June, a self-described 'regenerative' farm called Evermeadow near Cobourg was advertising online for what it called 'home stays.' When Israeli Tal Nahum contacted Evermeadow co-owner Joshua Noiseux to apply, Noiseux wrote back. According to the complaint, Noiseux's message said: 'We have a policy regarding requests of people from Israel. If you are against the current genocide and in favour of Palestinian liberation we would be happy to entertain your request to stay … if you are in support of militarist Zionism we will be unable to host you.' Evermeadow received thousands of dollars from the federal government between 2021 and 2024 for 'creating jobs,' Employment and Social Development Canada documents confirmed. The program's own rules explicitly outlaw discrimination on prohibited grounds, such as sex, religion, race, disability or sexual orientation. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More Refusing accommodation or employment because someone is a Jew is also contrary to provincial human rights codes across Canada. In his complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal, Nahum describes Evermeadow's treatment as 'a blatant act of discrimination' because he is a citizen of Israel and 'of Jewish ancestry.' Nahum, who has worked on other farms in Canada, is interested in agriculture. Noiseux's response shocked him, his complaint says, and injured his dignity, feelings and self-respect. Noiseux was contacted for comment about the human rights action, as well as whether Evermeadow should have been eligible for federal funds. He did not reply before deadline. However, he previously asked this writer to be 'considerate of our family's privacy as we endure this smear campaign.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Despite that desire for privacy, word of Noiseux's alleged refusal to employ a 'Zionist' circulated widely online. The former mayor of Peterborough, Diane Therrien, even weighed in, writing to Noiseux: 'Sounds like you avoided a real dangerous situation having that person around! Zios keep showing us how violent and unhinged they are. Sorry you are having to deal with this, your community appreciates you!' RECOMMENDED VIDEO The American Jewish Committee has said that 'antisemites often use 'Zionist' or 'Zio' as shorthand for Jew.' The neologism 'Zio' was reportedly first popularized by David Duke, the former grand wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Contacted for comment about her use of that term, Therrien — now an executive with the Canadian Union of Public Employees — did not respond. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In his filed response to Nahum's complaint, Noiseux acknowledges writing his message to the Nahum. 'It was important … that any guest residing in (our) home be aware of (our) political views,' he says, and then goes on to claim that human rights law does not apply because he and his wife were only seeking 'casual help' on their farm and there was no discrimination. A mediation hearing in the human rights case is scheduled for August, in which Nahum is seeking $50,000 in damages and a requirement that Evermeadow's operators get human rights training. Nahum's lawyer, Marty Gobin, declined further comment on the action, saying only: 'The proceeding before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario has not concluded and the applicant has no comment at this time.' Sunshine Girls Columnists Sunshine Girls NHL Celebrity
CBC
19-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'Apparent failure' of Windsor police board in dealing with chief's racist remarks, police group says
Following an investigation that substantiated claims Windsor's police chief made racist comments in the workplace, a provincial group representing police unions is condemning those remarks and pointing to an "apparent failure" of the oversight board tasked with providing accountability. On Monday, CBC News published information based on a summary of an internal investigation into racism complaints against Windsor police chief Jason Bellaire. That investigation was finished in January. The internal probe substantiated allegations that Bellaire made comments that violated Windsor police directives, according to the summary, which didn't specify what remarks he's said to have made. Inspector Ed Armstrong filed that internal complaint. He also filed a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario complaint outlining his allegations. Armstrong described several racist comments he said Bellaire made to him at work, including a joke about bananas and Black people, asking him to use his "Black magic" and saying he needed a "Black friend" to accompany him to certain events. Mark Baxter, president of the Police Association of Ontario, said the group "condemns" such comments. "This kind of behaviour erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the work of police service members to ensure the safety and security of our communities," he said in a statement. "People in Windsor deserve to know that the chief of police — the head of the police service — is being held to the highest standard, is not discriminating against his service members and is serving all people equitably inclusive of race," he added. The advocacy organization represents the members of 45 police unions across Ontario — some 31,000 officers and civilian employees. Both Armstrong and Bellaire did not respond to requests from CBC News for a comment. When asked in an email to confirm whether the allegations against Bellaire were substantiated, Windsor police spokesperson Gary Francoeur said "The information in your message is not entirely accurate." He refused to clarify what he meant, stating he can't comment further because it's before the human rights tribunal. A spokesperson for the Windsor Police Services Board wouldn't answer questions about what consequences, if any, Bellaire will face for his comments that violated internal directives. "The Windsor Police Service Board will make no comment on personnel matters regarding a specific employee," said Norma Coleman, Windsor police board administrative director. The PAO is demanding "full transparency" so the Windsor police board can "restore confidence in their leadership." "Equally concerning is the apparent failure of the Windsor Police Services Board to take swift and decisive action in holding the chief accountable. Leadership in policing must be held to the highest standard, and when those in positions of power fail to uphold those values, it sends a damaging message to members and the communities we proudly serve," said Baxter. 'Lack of transparency' is deeply concerning, says PAO The union representing Windsor police officers, the Windsor Police Association, previously told CBC News that it too is seeking accountability from the board. "What I do find troubling is that the police services board has been aware of this issue for several weeks and has yet to address it, either with my membership or the public. This lack of transparency and action is deeply concerning," president Kent Rice said.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
Black council pushes for change, apology after Windsor police chief's racist comments substantiated
WARNING: This story contains racially offensive language. The Black Council of Windsor-Essex is looking for change at the Windsor Police Service as well as an apology after an internal investigation substantiated allegations that Chief Jason Bellaire made racist comments. Last year, the police service's first Black inspector, Ed Armstrong, filed complaints internally and with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), saying that Bellaire made racist comments to him at work. CBC News obtained a document showing the internal investigation concluded in January and found Bellaire made statements that violated police directives, although it didn't specify what comments he was found to have made. The board, which handles discipline for the chief, wouldn't tell CBC News if there will be any consequences, saying they don't comment on personnel matters. "There are all kinds of steps that could be taken, but brushing it under the rug is the typical response of people who don't have the experience [and] having people around them feeling comfortable saying derogatory things and laughing it off," said Leslie McCurdy, chair of the Black Council of Windsor-Essex. At the very least, McCurdy said, Bellaire should apologize for his comments. Windsor police Insp. Ed Armstrong, shown in January 2023, filed complaints internally and with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario about police Chief Jason Bellaire's comments. (Windsor Police Service) CBC News reached out to both Armstrong and Bellaire but did not receive a response by publication time Tuesday. When asked in an email to confirm whether the allegations against Bellaire were substantiated, Windsor police's corporate communications director, Gary Francoeur, said, "The information in your message is not entirely accurate. "However, as the matter is still before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), we cannot comment further at this time," he said. Francoeur refused to clarify what he meant by "not entirely accurate." In his HRTO complaint, Armstrong says Bellaire made jokes to him about bananas and Black people, indicated he preferred "whiter" things and said he needed a "Black friend" to accompany him to certain events. The complaint also stated Bellaire indicated he believed Black people have some form of telepathic communication. Armstrong said Bellaire also asked him to use his "Black magic" to ease criticism of a local university professor, who he described as a "Black radical." 'Never appropriate to use language like that' An internal summary of the police investigation also said Bellaire believed it to be a "safe space" when those comments were made, and the investigator stated that meant it wasn't a "poisoned work environment." Nicole Kaniki is the founder and director of Senomi Solutions Inc., which provides consulting for organizations 'to embed equity, diversity and inclusion in their practices.' (Jason Viau / CBC News) "There's never a space, or a place or a time for those comments to be appropriate," said Nicole Kaniki, founder and director of Senomi Solutions Inc. The London, Ont.-based company provides consulting for organizations "to embed equity, diversity and inclusion in their practices." Kaniki said many people don't realize that the use of racially derogatory language, especially among leaders at an organization, can create an even more oppressive and toxic environment. "It's never appropriate to use language like that. I don't think a safe space exists where you can use, especially a white person coming from a space of power and privilege, can even use such language in any environment." Bellaire announced in February that he planned to retire in November, two years before his contract ends. (Jason Viau/CBC) McCurdy said the chief and others at the Windsor police service would benefit from more anti-Black racism training and an open discussion with the Black council. "Let's just talk. Let's have a conversation because that never happens either, and often that's the first step to bridging differences," said McCurdy. "What can we do to make sure that these kinds of incidents don't happen again." For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here. (CBC)
CBC
17-03-2025
- CBC
Windsor, Ont., police chief made racist comments, internal investigation finds
WARNING: This story contains offensive language. An internal investigation into allegations the police chief of Windsor, Ont., made racist remarks to a Black officer has found the claims to be true, CBC News has learned. "The investigation has substantiated that Chief Jason Bellaire made comment(s) that constitute a breach of WPS Directive(s)," according to an internal summary of the investigation. CBC News obtained, and verified, the confidential document that summarized the outcome of a complaint filed by Ed Armstrong, the service's first Black inspector. The summary didn't outline which specific allegations were substantiated. The summary states "the investigator found that the comment(s) were made in what [Bellaire] believed to be a 'safe space' based on his existing relationship with [Armstrong] and do not amount to a poisoned work environment." When asked in an email to confirm whether the allegations against Bellaire were substantiated, Windsor police's corporate communications director, Gary Francoeur, said, "The information in your message is not entirely accurate. "However, as the matter is still before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), we cannot comment further at this time," he said. Francoeur refused to clarify what he meant by "not entirely accurate." Human rights report filed last year CBC News reached out to both Armstrong and Bellaire and did not receive a response by publication time. Armstrong filed the HRTO complaint last year, saying Bellaire made several racist remarks to him at work. In those HRTO documents, Armstrong indicated he filed the same complaint internally. That process concluded in January, while the human rights dispute is ongoing. Armstrong said Bellaire asked him to use his "Black magic" to ease criticism from a local university professor and referred to her as a "Black radical." He also stated Bellaire suggested there is telepathic communication among Black people and said he preferred "whiter" things. Armstrong said that in a separate instance, Bellaire mentioned needing a "Black friend" to accompany him to certain events. In a statement to CBC News last month, Windsor Police Association president Kent Rice said he's "genuinely concerned about how minority members feel coming into a work environment where the chief has been found to make discriminatory remarks." "This raises serious questions about the culture of the workplace and the message it sends to those who already face challenges based on their identity," he added. Rice also rejected the investigator's findings that Bellaire believed it was a "safe space" when the racist remarks were made. "[It's] not only deeply offensive, but it also completely disregards the principles of decency and professionalism that are expected of any leader within an organization," Rice said. The investigation was completed in January. On Feb. 5, Bellaire announced he will be retiring in November — halfway through his five-year contract. Bellaire didn't provide a reason for his early retirement. The investigation also "substantiated" offensive comments made toward the Indigenous community by Insp. Jill Lawrence, although it didn't specify what those were. The Windsor Police Service declined to comment on that matter, citing the human rights tribunal proceedings. Consequences for police chief remain unknown The summary of the third-party investigation said the Windsor Police Service Board "will be taking appropriate action to address breaches." However, the board wouldn't specify what sort of consequences, if any, Bellaire would face for his actions. "The Windsor Police Service Board will make no comment on personnel matters regarding a specific employee," said Norma Coleman, administrative director for the board. Windsor police board chair Drew Dilkens comments on allegations against police chief Jason Bellaire 7 months ago Duration 1:26 In August, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, who stepped aside as police board chair last month, told CBC News he wanted to wait for an investigation into the allegations to finish "to understand what is true, what is fact from the fiction." "At the end of the day, I don't get too fussed about these types of things until they've gone through a judicial or quasi-judicial process like this one will, and when we get to the end we'll be in a much better position to have an intelligent conversation on the topic." Dilkens has not responded to CBC's request for a comment about the findings of the internal investigation. The police association is seeking accountability from the board. "What I do find troubling is that the police services board has been aware of this issue for several weeks and has yet to address it, either with my membership or the public. This lack of transparency and action is deeply concerning," Rice said. The police service did not respond to CBC's request for a comment on why Bellaire is retiring early. Armstrong's human rights complaint was filed on March 15, 2024, roughly a month after Armstrong pleaded guilty under the Police Services Act for making inappropriate comments to female employees dating back to 2005. Armstrong was demoted for one year to staff sergeant and will automatically regain his rank of inspector after that time. Armstrong said in the HRTO application that prior to that, he hadn't received any complaints against him in his 25-year career.
