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Niagara Anti-Racism Association Conducts First Survey of Municipal Candidates on Race Issues Before October Election
The Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association has launched its first-ever survey of municipal candidates in the upcoming Ontario municipal election, focusing on race-related issues that the association deems critical. The survey, which has been sent to hundreds of candidates running for city and town councils and school board trustee positions, covers five key topics. These include candidates' views on former Niagara Regional Chair Bob Gale's ownership of a signed copy of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, which led to his resignation in March 2026 after criticism from anti-racism groups. The survey also addresses the presence of white supremacist groups in the region, such as the Dominion Society of Canada promoting 'remigration' policies, and the Niagara Regional Police Service's disproportionate use of force against Black residents. The association emphasizes the importance of transparency before the October 26 election, noting that many elected officials remained silent on Gale's controversial book ownership, with only a few publicly condemning it. The survey asks candidates whether they would condemn Gale's actions, confirm they do not possess Nazi memorabilia, and commit to publicly condemning white supremacist groups. It also inquires about their stance on publishing race-based suspension data in schools and whether they would support Palestinian refugees similarly to how municipalities have supported Ukraine and Israel following conflicts. The Niagara Regional Police Service reported that in 2025, 26% of use-of-force interactions involved Black individuals, despite Black residents making up a smaller portion of the population. The association plans to publish all survey responses by September 30, 2026, with some responses already posted online. The survey aims to ensure that voters are informed about candidates' positions on race-related issues before casting their ballots.