B'Nai Brith honours North Bay mayor for standing up to racism
B'Nai Brith Canada presented North Bay Mayor Al McDonald with a certificate of merit Tuesday morning, honouring him for standing up to racism.
Last fall, students at École Secondaire Catholique Algonquin we're seen giving a Nazi salute. McDonald reacted immediately and said, "Hate has no home here."
McDonald told CTV News the whole city deserves the recognition.
"If didn't use my voice to speak out against hate and racism, then shame on me," he said.
"But let's not forget the Police Chief, Scott Tod who spoke out, as did members of council. So I'm very proud of my city and this award really is for them."
Officials with B'Nai Brith Canada said they hope an incident like the one in North Bay doesn't happen again, but said the way North Bay reacted goes a long way toward healing.
"People were concerned, people in North Bay genuinely cared," said Marvin Rotrand, national director, league for human rights with B'Nai Brith Canada. "They wanted to make sure the kids knew what they had actually done and the impact on that."
"Within days the community mobilized, the police launched an investigation, the school board worked with the students and staff and said we want the whole community to know we take this seriously and lots of citizens spoke out."
A recent motion at council also means North Bay will recognize Jewish Heritage Month every year in May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.