Statement from the Mayor on Canada Day

I fully support the decision of our Canada Day partners and Science North to not proceed with planned Canada Day virtual programming this year.

Moving forward we, as a society and Canadian citizens, need to acknowledge the original people of these lands. We must learn together and we must do the work necessary to learn and accept the true history of this country.

We need to know truth before any reconciliation can happen, and we need to understand, recognize and act to make positive change happen and stop racism and institutes of systemic racism regarding inequities Indigenous peoples face.

The journey towards Reconciliation will take time and it’s a journey that we must be prepared to walk together. We need to uphold the original treaties and recognize that we reside on the lands of the Robinson Huron Treaty. We must build a path towards collective healing and positive change, as we truly are – Greater Together.

Mayor Brian Bigger