Statement on Openness and Respect in Nanaimo

This statement has been issued on behalf of a partnership of community organizations in Nanaimo and region.

For generations people from around the world have come to our community to visit, live, learn, work and do business — welcomed first by the Snuneymuxw peoples and joined, more recently, by those who now call the Nanaimo region home.

This openness and respect for our fellow global citizens is today a hallmark of our community and of our shared prosperity in the future.

As leaders we celebrate the diversity of our community and stand together in solidarity to reaffirm our commitment to remain a community that welcomes everyone.

Furthermore, we are united in our belief that expressions of intolerance, racism and hate do not belong in our community, and must be challenged by our own expressions of openness, mutual respect and, above all, by how we care for and support one another.

We encourage all citizens, business and organizations in our community to join us in demonstrating their support of these values by adding their names to our online statement on change.org.

Partners to date:

Snuneymuxw First Nation

Jean Crowder, MP

The Hon. Michelle Stilwell, MLA

Leonard Krog, MLA

Doug Routley, MLA

City of Nanaimo

Regional District of Nanaimo

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

Island Health

Nanaimo Airport Authority

Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation

Nanaimo Port Authority

The Port Theatre

United Way of Central and Northern Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Conference Centre

Vancouver Island Economic Alliance

Vancouver Island University students, faculty, staff and administration

(including the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union, Vancouver Island University Foundation, Vancouver Island University Alumni Association, the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association, the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1858, and the High School at VIU)

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

Aspengrove School

Nanaimo Daily News

Nanaimo News Bulletin

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