Niagara
Region Anti-Racism Association 2026 Municipal Election Survey
Download our survey for school trustee
candidates here.
Download our survey for all other
municipal election candidates here.
Last update: September 16
Please check back for the answers we
receive and special notes on candidates. We will be publishing answers on a
rolling basis.
Survey question topic codes:
“white
supremacists”: Condemning white supremacist groups active locally
“Hitler debacle”: autographed Mein Kampf scandal
“Anti-Indigenous comments”: Anti-Indigenous comments at
Niagara Falls Council
“Palestine”: Support for Palestine vs Support for Israel,
Ukraine
“Niagara Police”: systemic racism in Niagara Regional Police
Service
“suspension rates”: special
question for trustees: publishing suspension rates by race
Shortcut by role:
Mayor (1)
Shortcut to questions white supremacists
Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments
Palestine Niagara Police
Councillor (5)
Shortcut to questions white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Shortcut to questions suspension rates white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
NCDSB (English Catholic) Trustee
(1)
Shortcut to questions suspension rates
white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Shortcut to questions suspension rates white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Shortcut to questions suspension rates white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Special notes on candidates
(to come)
Shortcut to questions white supremacists
Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments
Palestine Niagara Police
White
supremacist groups like the Dominion Society are postering across Niagara
promoting mass deportations (rebranded as “remigration” even though they want
to deport non-migrants i.e. citizens as well). Until recently some
municipalities like St. Catharines deliberately avoided publicly addressing
this out of concern it would incentivize these groups to increase their
activity. Other cities like Hamilton have publicly condemned hate groups like
the Dominion Society, and last week were joined by West Lincoln, Grimsby,
Lincoln, and the mayor of St. Catharines.
Do you:
a.
Believe it’s better not to give attention to
these groups by condemning them
b.
Commit to publicly condemning these groups, now
as a candidate, and as an elected official, and to advocating that the
government body you are elected to condemn these groups publicly
c.
Believe these are not white supremacist groups
or there is nothing wrong with their postering
d.
Support the idea of “remigration” promoted by
these groups
e.
Other:
|
Jim Diodati |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin Martineau |
Response not received yet |
Back to mayor top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council Chair Bob Gale resigned mere hours after he was exposed for
buying, owning, and authenticating Nazi memorabilia. The mayors of Niagara
Falls and Pelham said he did nothing wrong and is just a collector, while the
mayor of St. Catharines said this was a distraction from “really important”
things. Very few elected officials condemned Bob Gale.
Do you:
a.
Condemn Bob Gale for owning Nazi memorabilia
b.
Believe Bob Gale did nothing wrong
c.
Other:
|
Jim Diodati |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin
Martineau |
Response not received yet |
Do you also:
a.
Believe this scandal is a distraction from
“really important” issues
b.
Believe top officials collecting autographed
hate propaganda like Mein Kampf is a “really important” issue and
racism, not a distraction
c.
Other:
|
Jim Diodati |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin
Martineau |
Response not received yet |
At a press conference on April 2nd Minister
Flack was asked how
another “Hitler debacle” could be avoided. Can you confirm you do not have,
nor have you ever had, nor will you ever have, Nazi memorabilia?
a.
Yes
b.
No
c.
It’s your personal business or doesn’t matter
d.
Other:
|
Jim Diodati |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin
Martineau |
Response not received yet |
Back to mayor top
Back to page top
The
Niagara Falls mayor said it was “out of context,” “misconstrued,” and a “split
hair” to condemn comments by the ex-CAO at a City Council meeting saying
Indigenous evacuees out in public would be seen as “homeless” by residents.
Statements by
the Kashechewan, Nishnawbe
Aski Nation, Chiefs
of Ontario, and Niagara
Regional Native Centre condemned the ex-CAO’s comments for reinforcing
stereotypes and ignoring that all Indigenous peoples have every right to be on
their own land.
Do you:
a.
Believe the ex-CAO’s comments were taken “out of
context,” “misconstrued,” or a “split hair”
b.
Agree with the Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and Niagara Regional Native Centre in
condemning the ex-CAO’s comments for amplifying racism.
c.
Other:
|
Jim Diodati |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin
Martineau |
Response not received yet |
Back to mayor top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council and several municipalities like St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold and Lincoln
have passed motions supporting Ukraine, and some motions supported military
escalation.
Niagara
Regional Councillors also unanimously “sanctioned” themselves from Russia,
which is not how sanctions against individuals work.
Niagara
Regional Council also lit their “Everyone Welcome” sign in Israel’s colours and
the City of St. Catharines officially sided with Israel (“rally for Israel”) in
a statement by a city councillor on behalf of the mayor.
Yet many
elected officials said expressing similar support for Palestinians is out of
their jurisdiction, would be divisive, or would be traumatizing.
Do you:
a.
Believe Palestine is not a municipal issue and
so should not be addressed, though Ukraine and Israel are
b.
Believe governments should express support for
Palestinians, they did for Ukrainians and Israelis
c.
Other:
|
Jim Diodati |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin
Martineau |
Response not received yet |
Back to mayor top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Police have had the second worst disproportional use of force against
Black people (% of use of force incidents vs % of population) in the province
since publishing this data was required by the Ontario Anti-Racism Act. It has
been up to almost 10x disproportional: in
2025, 26% of the use of force was against Black people who were less than 3% of
the population in the 2021 census. This is the same as Minneapolis, where
George Floyd was murdered, which the US Department of Justice called
“discriminatory.”
Neighbouring
police forces such as Hamilton, Peel and Toronto, who are less disproportional
than Niagara, have apologized for their own systemic racism in their
disproportional use of force.
Yet the Police
Chief, when he was Deputy Chief, said the data shows there is
no systemic racism in the Niagara Police. One Police Board member who is
running for mayor of Wainfleet had said in 2020 as a Niagara Regional
Councillor that systemic racism is a “shadowy term…bandied about.”
To our
knowledge none of the Police Board members have mentioned disproportional use
of force against Black people, including the Board Chair who used to be co-chair
of the Police Chief’s Community Inclusion Council, and one Board member who is
a Regional Councillor and chairs the Niagara Regional Council’s Diversity
Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Do you:
a.
Condemn systemic racism in the Niagara Regional
Police based on their own use of force by race data and call for an apology and
addressing the disproportional use of force by race against Black people
b.
Believe data does not show systemic racism in
the Niagara Regional Police
c.
Believe “systemic racism” is a “shadowy
term…bandied about”
d.
Both b and c
e. Other:
|
Jim Diodati |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin
Martineau |
Response not received yet |
Back to mayor top
Back to page top
Shortcut to questions white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
White
supremacist groups like the Dominion Society are postering across Niagara
promoting mass deportations (rebranded as “remigration” even though they want
to deport non-migrants i.e. citizens as well). Until recently some
municipalities like St. Catharines deliberately avoided publicly addressing
this out of concern it would incentivize these groups to increase their
activity. Other cities like Hamilton have publicly condemned hate groups like
the Dominion Society, and last week were joined by West Lincoln, Grimsby,
Lincoln, and the mayor of St. Catharines.
Do you:
a.
Believe it’s better not to give attention to
these groups by condemning them
b.
Commit to publicly condemning these groups, now
as a candidate, and as an elected official, and to advocating that the
government body you are elected to condemn these groups publicly
c.
Believe these are not white supremacist groups
or there is nothing wrong with their postering
d.
Support the idea of “remigration” promoted by
these groups
e.
Other:
|
Fred Audibert |
e. There is no place in Niagara Falls for organizations or
messages that target people on the basis of race,
religion, ethnicity, national origin, or status. I support public
condemnation of hate activity when it occurs. Everyone who lives, works,
studies, and raises a family in Niagara Falls belongs here and deserves
safety and dignity. At the same time, a public response should be responsible
and coordinated. It should avoid needlessly amplifying hate-group messaging
while ensuring that incidents are documented, and that police and
municipal authorities respond appropriately where conduct crosses into
threats, harassment, vandalism, or other unlawful activity. If elected, I'll
advocate for clear protocols to address hate incidents, meaningful engagement
with affected communities, and public leadership that affirms Niagara Falls
as an inclusive city. |
|
Gary Baker |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Baldinelli |
Response not received yet |
|
Rob Barranca |
No valid email to send survey |
|
Joedy Burdett |
I reject white supremacy and any
effort to intimidate, exclude, or remove people from Canada because of race,
ethnicity, religion, or national origin. I would publicly condemn racist
advocacy and conduct when the relevant facts are established. The City should
also remove unlawful hate material from municipal property promptly, document
incidents, support affected communities, and refer possible offences to the
appropriate authorities. Public statements should be accurate
and proportionate. They should not needlessly amplify a fringe organization,
but silence cannot be the City's default when residents are being targeted or
intimidated. |
|
Darlene Cane |
Response not received yet |
|
Kim Craitor |
e. I believe racism exists. It is wrong! It should not be
tolerated at any level, private or public. |
|
Chris Dabrowski |
Response not received yet |
|
Frank De Luca |
e. Groups that promote these types
of violent behaviour should not be allowed to use public facilities for this
and any other political use. |
|
Sheila Deluca |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Giancola |
Response not received yet |
|
Tawnya Hartford |
Response not received yet |
|
Carmine Ionnoni |
Response not received yet |
|
Lilian Lum Mbah |
Response not received yet |
|
Rich Merlino |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Moody |
Response not received yet |
|
Joyce Morocco |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine |
Racism is real. White supremacy must
be opposed, Indigenous people deserve respect, and police institutions must
be accountable. None of that requires me to participate in a questionable
survey that, in my opinion, appears designed to advance a particular
political narrative. |
|
Aaron Ramnarine |
Response not received yet |
|
Nohemi Renteria |
Response not received yet |
|
Chris Rigas |
Response not received yet |
|
Mike Strange |
Response not received yet |
|
Celia Taylor |
Response not received yet |
|
Terry Thomson |
Response not received yet |
|
Jitto Tom |
Response not received yet |
|
Brian (Winnie) Winrow |
Response not received yet |
Back to Councillor top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council Chair Bob Gale resigned mere hours after he was exposed for
buying, owning, and authenticating Nazi memorabilia. The mayors of Niagara
Falls and Pelham said he did nothing wrong and is just a collector, while the
mayor of St. Catharines said this was a distraction from “really important”
things. Very few elected officials condemned Bob Gale.
Do you:
a.
Condemn Bob Gale for owning Nazi memorabilia
b.
Believe Bob Gale did nothing wrong
c.
Other:
|
Fred Audibert |
c. Nazi symbols and memorabilia are inseparable from a
regime responsible for genocide, the Holocaust, war,
persecution, and the murder of millions of people, including six million Jewish
people. Elected officials should understand the serious harm caused when they
possess, display, promote, or normalize such material. |
|
Gary Baker |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony
Baldinelli |
Response not received yet |
|
Rob Barranca |
No valid email to send survey |
|
Joedy Burdett |
Nazi ideology and propaganda
represent an abhorrent history of genocide, antisemitism, racism,
persecution, and war. Public confidence in senior officials is a legitimate
and important issue. At the same time, I will not pronounce upon the motives
or character of a named individual solely from the assertions contained in a
questionnaire. A responsible conclusion should follow review of the complete,
verified facts and the person's explanation. |
|
Darlene Cane |
Response not received yet |
|
Kim Craitor |
c. I believe that Bob Gale did the
right thing in resigning. While I do not share his political values and
differ with him significantly on major issues, the Bob Gale I know as a
colleague is a man of personal integrity. He is outspoken and passionate in
his beliefs, but as a person of race, I can state clearly that he has always
treated me with the utmost respect and courtesy. My focus is on moving our
council forward constructively, ensuring it remains an inclusive environment
where all residents are treated fairly. |
|
Chris
Dabrowski |
Response not received yet |
|
Frank De Luca |
c. I’m not a mayoral candidate but a priority is to
reinstate trust and respect with whom is left. |
|
Sheila Deluca |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Giancola |
Response not received yet |
|
Tawnya
Hartford |
Response not received yet |
|
Carmine
Ionnoni |
Response not received yet |
|
Lilian Lum
Mbah |
Response not received yet |
|
Rich Merlino |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Moody |
Response not received yet |
|
Joyce Morocco |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann
Nieuwesteeg |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane
(Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado)
Pine |
Racism is real. White supremacy must
be opposed, Indigenous people deserve respect, and police institutions must
be accountable. None of that requires me to participate in a questionable
survey that, in my opinion, appears designed to advance a particular
political narrative. |
|
Aaron
Ramnarine |
Response not received yet |
|
Nohemi
Renteria |
Response not received yet |
|
Chris Rigas |
Response not received yet |
|
Mike Strange |
Response not received yet |
|
Celia Taylor |
Response not received yet |
|
Terry Thomson |
Response not received yet |
|
Jitto Tom |
Response not received yet |
|
Brian
(Winnie) Winrow |
Response not received yet |
Do you also:
a.
Believe this scandal is a distraction from
“really important” issues
b.
Believe top officials collecting autographed
hate propaganda like Mein Kampf is a “really important” issue and
racism, not a distraction
c.
Other:
|
Fred Audibert |
c. Public trust, ethical judgment, and a
demonstrated understanding of racism and antisemitism are public-interest issues,
especially for those in positions of leadership. |
|
Gary Baker |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony
Baldinelli |
Response not received yet |
|
Rob Barranca |
No valid email to send survey |
|
Joedy Burdett |
Nazi ideology and propaganda
represent an abhorrent history of genocide, antisemitism, racism,
persecution, and war. Public confidence in senior officials is a legitimate
and important issue. At the same time, I will not pronounce upon the motives
or character of a named individual solely from the assertions contained in a
questionnaire. A responsible conclusion should follow review of the complete,
verified facts and the person's explanation. |
|
Darlene Cane |
Response not received yet |
|
Kim Craitor |
c. This
issue became a distraction that disrupted the primary objective of good
governance, making the resignation necessary. While racism is entirely wrong
and must be actively eliminated from our community, we must also be careful
as public leaders not to prejudge individuals based on media coverage or
outside associations. This situation serves as an important lesson for anyone
sitting on a public board regarding the standard of conduct expected of them.
Looking at the deeply divisive political climate south of our border, my
focus is on preventing that polarization from entering our community,
ensuring our local council remains fair, unified, and strictly focused on
serving the public. |
|
Chris
Dabrowski |
Response not received yet |
|
Frank De Luca |
c. the issue is the reimagining of Regional Government. We
need to split the region into 5 areas and share the responsibilities of the
region evenly between the five areas |
|
Sheila Deluca |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Giancola |
Response not received yet |
|
Tawnya
Hartford |
Response not received yet |
|
Carmine
Ionnoni |
Response not received yet |
|
Lilian Lum
Mbah |
Response not received yet |
|
Rich Merlino |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Moody |
Response not received yet |
|
Joyce Morocco |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann
Nieuwesteeg |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane
(Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado)
Pine |
Racism is real. White supremacy must
be opposed, Indigenous people deserve respect, and police institutions must
be accountable. None of that requires me to participate in a questionable
survey that, in my opinion, appears designed to advance a particular
political narrative. |
|
Aaron
Ramnarine |
Response not received yet |
|
Nohemi
Renteria |
Response not received yet |
|
Chris Rigas |
Response not received yet |
|
Mike Strange |
Response not received yet |
|
Celia Taylor |
Response not received yet |
|
Terry Thomson |
Response not received yet |
|
Jitto Tom |
Response not received yet |
|
Brian
(Winnie) Winrow |
Response not received yet |
At a press conference on April 2nd Minister
Flack was asked how
another “Hitler debacle” could be avoided. Can you confirm you do not have,
nor have you ever had, nor will you ever have, Nazi memorabilia?
a.
Yes
b.
No
c.
It’s your personal business or doesn’t matter
d.
Other:
|
Fred Audibert |
d. I do not own, nor have I ever owned, Nazi memorabilia. |
|
Gary Baker |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony
Baldinelli |
Response not received yet |
|
Rob Barranca |
No valid email to send survey |
|
Joedy Burdett |
I have never owned Nazi memorabilia,
and I have never had any desire to own anything of that nature. I do not
possess it now and have no intention of acquiring it in the future. |
|
Darlene Cane |
Response not received yet |
|
Kim Craitor |
d. I can absolutely confirm I do not
have, nor ever had, or will have, Nazi memorabilia |
|
Chris
Dabrowski |
Response not received yet |
|
Frank De Luca |
a.
Yes |
|
Sheila Deluca |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Giancola |
Response not received yet |
|
Tawnya
Hartford |
Response not received yet |
|
Carmine
Ionnoni |
Response not received yet |
|
Lilian Lum
Mbah |
Response not received yet |
|
Rich Merlino |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Moody |
Response not received yet |
|
Joyce Morocco |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann
Nieuwesteeg |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane
(Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado)
Pine |
Racism is real. White supremacy must
be opposed, Indigenous people deserve respect, and police institutions must
be accountable. None of that requires me to participate in a questionable
survey that, in my opinion, appears designed to advance a particular
political narrative. |
|
Aaron
Ramnarine |
Response not received yet |
|
Nohemi
Renteria |
Response not received yet |
|
Chris Rigas |
Response not received yet |
|
Mike Strange |
Response not received yet |
|
Celia Taylor |
Response not received yet |
|
Terry Thomson |
Response not received yet |
|
Jitto Tom |
Response not received yet |
|
Brian
(Winnie) Winrow |
Response not received yet |
Back to Councillor top
Back to page top
The Niagara
Falls mayor said it was “out of context,” “misconstrued,” and a “split hair” to
condemn comments by the ex-CAO at a City Council meeting saying Indigenous
evacuees out in public would be seen as “homeless” by residents.
Statements by
the Kashechewan, Nishnawbe
Aski Nation, Chiefs
of Ontario, and Niagara
Regional Native Centre condemned the ex-CAO’s comments for reinforcing
stereotypes and ignoring that all Indigenous peoples have every right to be on
their own land.
Do you:
a.
Believe the ex-CAO’s comments were taken “out of
context,” “misconstrued,” or a “split hair”
b.
Agree with the Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and Niagara Regional Native Centre in
condemning the ex-CAO’s comments for amplifying racism.
c.
Other:
|
Fred Audibert |
c. The comments described above were harmful because they
reinforced a negative stereotype. Indigenous
people have every right to be present, welcome, and treated with dignity
throughout Niagara and I agree that we should challenge language that
reproduces anti-Indigenous assumptions. |
|
Gary Baker |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony
Baldinelli |
Response not received yet |
|
Rob Barranca |
No valid email to send survey |
|
Joedy Burdett |
Indigenous evacuees are entitled to
dignity, respect, and equal access to public places and services. Language
suggesting that Indigenous people appearing in public would be viewed as
homeless can reinforce damaging stereotypes, regardless of the speaker's
intended meaning. Concerns raised by Kashechewan
First Nation, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the Chiefs of Ontario, and the Niagara
Regional Native Centre deserve to be heard and addressed seriously. Because the survey provides selected
descriptions rather than the complete meeting record, I would not claim to
decide every question of context from this document alone. I would expect the
City to preserve the record, acknowledge the harm identified by Indigenous
organizations, explain its response publicly, and improve consultation,
cultural-safety practices, and training. |
|
Darlene Cane |
Response not received yet |
|
Kim Craitor |
The answer is B but without
politicizing it, the comments were also stupid and unworthy of a leader of
multi-racial community. |
|
Chris
Dabrowski |
Response not received yet |
|
Frank De Luca |
b. Agree with the Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and Niagara Regional Native Centre
in condemning the ex-CAO’s comments for amplifying racism. |
|
Sheila Deluca |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Giancola |
Response not received yet |
|
Tawnya
Hartford |
Response not received yet |
|
Carmine
Ionnoni |
Response not received yet |
|
Lilian Lum
Mbah |
Response not received yet |
|
Rich Merlino |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Moody |
Response not received yet |
|
Joyce Morocco |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann
Nieuwesteeg |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane
(Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado)
Pine |
Racism is real. White supremacy must
be opposed, Indigenous people deserve respect, and police institutions must
be accountable. None of that requires me to participate in a questionable
survey that, in my opinion, appears designed to advance a particular
political narrative. |
|
Aaron
Ramnarine |
Response not received yet |
|
Nohemi
Renteria |
Response not received yet |
|
Chris Rigas |
Response not received yet |
|
Mike Strange |
Response not received yet |
|
Celia Taylor |
Response not received yet |
|
Terry Thomson |
Response not received yet |
|
Jitto Tom |
Response not received yet |
|
Brian
(Winnie) Winrow |
Response not received yet |
Back to Councillor top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council and several municipalities like St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold and Lincoln
have passed motions supporting Ukraine, and some motions supported military
escalation.
Niagara
Regional Councillors also unanimously “sanctioned” themselves from Russia,
which is not how sanctions against individuals work.
Niagara
Regional Council also lit their “Everyone Welcome” sign in Israel’s colours and
the City of St. Catharines officially sided with Israel (“rally for Israel”) in
a statement by a city councillor on behalf of the mayor.
Yet many
elected officials said expressing similar support for Palestinians is out of
their jurisdiction, would be divisive, or would be traumatizing.
Do you:
a.
Believe Palestine is not a municipal issue and
so should not be addressed, though Ukraine and Israel are
b.
Believe governments should express support for
Palestinians, they did for Ukrainians and Israelis
c.
Other:
|
Fred Audibert |
c. Municipal governments do not set Canadian foreign
policy. However, at home we should reject antisemitism, racism, Islamophobia,
and all hate directed at local residents because of
events abroad. Our role should be to foster community safety and cohesion,
avoid double standards, and reject language that dehumanizes
any people. |
|
Gary Baker |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony
Baldinelli |
Response not received yet |
|
Rob Barranca |
No valid email to send survey |
|
Joedy Burdett |
Human dignity and concern for
civilian life must be applied consistently. Palestinian, Israeli, Ukrainian,
and other civilians are equally entitled to safety and basic human rights.
Municipal officials should not imply that one community's suffering is worthy
of recognition while another community's suffering is beyond discussion. Foreign policy and military
decisions, however, belong primarily to the federal government. If Niagara
Falls Council makes symbolic statements about international events, it should
apply clear and consistent principles, avoid partisan or one-sided declarations,
reject antisemitism and Islamophobia, and remain focused on the City's actual
authority and its responsibility to keep local residents
safe and respected. |
|
Darlene Cane |
Response not received yet |
|
Kim Craitor |
c. As a local councillor,
my primary commitment is to protect the equity, safety, and interests of all
residents within our municipality. While the human suffering in ongoing
global conflicts—including those in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, and
other regions—is devastating, international relations and foreign policy do
not fall within the jurisdictional mandate or expertise of municipal
governance. These
international crises involve deeply complex geopolitical and economic power
struggles that local councils are not equipped to influence or resolve. More
importantly, it is vital that council maintains an even-handed and consistent
standard. If
council determines that engaging in foreign affairs is outside its municipal
role, then that standard must be applied universally. Backing motions of
support for certain nations or groups while claiming "it is not our
role" to support others is inconsistent and risks alienating members of
our own community. Our
core responsibility is to ensure that local taxpayers—regardless of
their race, religion, ethnicity, or place of birth—are treated with equal
respect, receive equitable access to city services, and feel entirely
safe in our community. Council must remain focused on its localized
responsibilities and ensure municipal platforms are not used to create
selective, divisive geopolitical debates. |
|
Chris
Dabrowski |
Response not received yet |
|
Frank De Luca |
c. As a municipal government we should not weigh in on
issues of provincial and federal jurisdictions. We should express our opinions personally
to those in charge.i am
not a mayoral |
|
Sheila Deluca |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Giancola |
Response not received yet |
|
Tawnya
Hartford |
Response not received yet |
|
Carmine
Ionnoni |
Response not received yet |
|
Lilian Lum
Mbah |
Response not received yet |
|
Rich Merlino |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Moody |
Response not received yet |
|
Joyce Morocco |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann
Nieuwesteeg |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane
(Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado)
Pine |
Racism is real. White supremacy must
be opposed, Indigenous people deserve respect, and police institutions must
be accountable. None of that requires me to participate in a questionable
survey that, in my opinion, appears designed to advance a particular
political narrative. |
|
Aaron
Ramnarine |
Response not received yet |
|
Nohemi
Renteria |
Response not received yet |
|
Chris Rigas |
Response not received yet |
|
Mike Strange |
Response not received yet |
|
Celia Taylor |
Response not received yet |
|
Terry Thomson |
Response not received yet |
|
Jitto Tom |
Response not received yet |
|
Brian
(Winnie) Winrow |
Response not received yet |
Back to Councillor top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Police have had the second worst disproportional use of force against
Black people (% of use of force incidents vs % of population) in the province
since publishing this data was required by the Ontario Anti-Racism Act. It has
been up to almost 10x disproportional: in
2025, 26% of the use of force was against Black people who were less than 3% of
the population in the 2021 census. This is the same as Minneapolis, where
George Floyd was murdered, which the US Department of Justice called
“discriminatory.”
Neighbouring
police forces such as Hamilton, Peel and Toronto, who are less disproportional
than Niagara, have apologized for their own systemic racism in their
disproportional use of force.
Yet the Police
Chief, when he was Deputy Chief, said the data shows there is
no systemic racism in the Niagara Police. One Police Board member who is
running for mayor of Wainfleet had said in 2020 as a Niagara Regional
Councillor that systemic racism is a “shadowy term…bandied about.”
To our
knowledge none of the Police Board members have mentioned disproportional use
of force against Black people, including the Board Chair who used to be co-chair
of the Police Chief’s Community Inclusion Council, and one Board member who is
a Regional Councillor and chairs the Niagara Regional Council’s Diversity
Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Do you:
a.
Condemn systemic racism in the Niagara Regional
Police based on their own use of force by race data and call for an apology and
addressing the disproportional use of force by race against Black people
b.
Believe data does not show systemic racism in
the Niagara Regional Police
c.
Believe “systemic racism” is a “shadowy
term…bandied about”
d.
Both b and c
e. Other:
|
Fred Audibert |
e. As a retired member of Niagara's broader
first-responder community, I have deep respect for the difficult work
performed every day by police officers who are routinely called into complex,
stressful, and sometimes dangerous situations. At the same time, the racial
disproportionality identified in police use-of-force data warrants careful
attention. Communities are entitled to ask questions about the data,
understand how it is collected and interpreted, and expect oversight bodies
to be transparent about what the findings mean and what actions are being
taken to address the experiences and concerns of Black residents and other communities
who may feel disproportionately affected by police interactions. |
|
Gary Baker |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony
Baldinelli |
Response not received yet |
|
Rob Barranca |
No valid email to send survey |
|
Joedy Burdett |
The reported disparity in police use
of force against Black people is serious and warrants transparent,
independent examination. Disproportionate outcomes should not be dismissed.
The underlying data, methodology, circumstances of incidents, trends over time,
and institutional practices should be reviewed, with public reporting and
meaningful participation by affected communities. Niagara Falls City Council does not
directly govern the Niagara Regional Police Service. I would nevertheless
support using the City's voice and its Regional
representatives to seek complete public data, independent analysis,
measurable corrective action where causes are identified, and regular
reporting. I will not make a definitive institutional finding or demand a
predetermined apology solely from the summary in the survey; conclusions and
remedies should follow a fair, evidence-based review. I ask that this letter be published
in full as my response. My position is straightforward: racism and
discrimination must be confronted, affected communities must be heard, and
public institutions must be accountable. Those commitments are strongest when
allegations are verified, authority is exercised lawfully, and every person
receives fair treatment. |
|
Darlene Cane |
Response not received yet |
|
Kim Craitor |
e. When
official data shows a severe statistical disparity—such as the
disproportional use of force against Black residents—it cannot be ignored.
Systemic bias in large institutions is a well-documented reality, not a
"shadowy term." Denying
it prevents us from fixing it. However, as an experienced former legislator
and longtime union leader, I believe in absolute honesty about political
power. Under the province's restructuring, local city councillors
have zero direct jurisdiction or voting power over the regional police budget
or board appointments. While
I cannot directly legislate police reform from a local council seat, I will
use my decades of experience to advocate effectively: Lobbying
the Mayor: I will directly pressure our Mayor to
carry these serious, data-driven concerns to the Regional
table where the actual authority lies. Leading
by Example: I will ensure our own local municipal
services and enforcement operate with the highest anti-racist standards. Strategic
Advocacy: I will use the moral authority of my office
to amplify community data and push the provincial and regional bodies that
hold the actual legislative power for measurable change. |
|
Chris
Dabrowski |
Response not received yet |
|
Frank De Luca |
e. I am not a mayoral candidate if I was
I would start trying
to repair the relationship between city council and the essential services. |
|
Sheila Deluca |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Giancola |
Response not received yet |
|
Tawnya
Hartford |
Response not received yet |
|
Carmine
Ionnoni |
Response not received yet |
|
Lilian Lum
Mbah |
Response not received yet |
|
Rich Merlino |
Response not received yet |
|
Dan Moody |
Response not received yet |
|
Joyce Morocco |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann
Nieuwesteeg |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane
(Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado)
Pine |
Racism is real. White supremacy must
be opposed, Indigenous people deserve respect, and police institutions must
be accountable. None of that requires me to participate in a questionable
survey that, in my opinion, appears designed to advance a particular
political narrative. |
|
Aaron
Ramnarine |
Response not received yet |
|
Nohemi
Renteria |
Response not received yet |
|
Chris Rigas |
Response not received yet |
|
Mike Strange |
Response not received yet |
|
Celia Taylor |
Response not received yet |
|
Terry Thomson |
Response not received yet |
|
Jitto Tom |
Response not received yet |
|
Brian
(Winnie) Winrow |
Response not received yet |
Back to Councillor top
Back to page top
Shortcut to questions suspension rates white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Special question for trustee candidates:
Niagara-related school boards have
not published suspension rates by race, which neighbouring school boards have, showing Black students
are disproportionately suspended.
Will you advocate and vote for
publishing suspension rates by race data within a year of being elected?
a. Yes
b. No
c.
Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
Back to DSBN top
Back to page top
White
supremacist groups like the Dominion Society are postering across Niagara
promoting mass deportations (rebranded as “remigration” even though they want
to deport non-migrants i.e. citizens as well). Until recently some
municipalities like St. Catharines deliberately avoided publicly addressing
this out of concern it would incentivize these groups to increase their
activity. Other cities like Hamilton have publicly condemned hate groups like
the Dominion Society, and last week were joined by West Lincoln, Grimsby,
Lincoln, and the mayor of St. Catharines.
Do you:
a.
Believe it’s better not to give attention to
these groups by condemning them
b.
Commit to publicly condemning these groups, now
as a candidate, and as an elected official, and to advocating that the
government body you are elected to condemn these groups publicly
c.
Believe these are not white supremacist groups
or there is nothing wrong with their postering
d.
Support the idea of “remigration” promoted by
these groups
e.
Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon
Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
Back to DSBN top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council Chair Bob Gale resigned mere hours after he was exposed for
buying, owning, and authenticating Nazi memorabilia. The mayors of Niagara
Falls and Pelham said he did nothing wrong and is just a collector, while the
mayor of St. Catharines said this was a distraction from “really important”
things. Very few elected officials condemned Bob Gale.
Do you:
a.
Condemn Bob Gale for owning Nazi memorabilia
b.
Believe Bob Gale did nothing wrong
c.
Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon
Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
Do you also:
a.
Believe this scandal is a distraction from
“really important” issues
b.
Believe top officials collecting autographed
hate propaganda like Mein Kampf is a “really important” issue and
racism, not a distraction
c.
Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon
Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
At a press conference on April 2nd Minister
Flack was asked how
another “Hitler debacle” could be avoided. Can you confirm you do not have,
nor have you ever had, nor will you ever have, Nazi memorabilia?
a.
Yes
b.
No
c.
It’s your personal business or doesn’t matter
d.
Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon
Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
Back to DSBN top
Back to page top
The
Niagara Falls mayor said it was “out of context,” “misconstrued,” and a “split
hair” to condemn comments by the ex-CAO at a City Council meeting saying
Indigenous evacuees out in public would be seen as “homeless” by residents.
Statements by
the Kashechewan, Nishnawbe
Aski Nation, Chiefs
of Ontario, and Niagara
Regional Native Centre condemned the ex-CAO’s comments for reinforcing
stereotypes and ignoring that all Indigenous peoples have every right to be on
their own land.
Do you:
a.
Believe the ex-CAO’s comments were taken “out of
context,” “misconstrued,” or a “split hair”
b.
Agree with the Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and Niagara Regional Native Centre in
condemning the ex-CAO’s comments for amplifying racism.
c.
Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon
Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
Back to DSBN top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council and several municipalities like St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold and Lincoln
have passed motions supporting Ukraine, and some motions supported military
escalation.
Niagara
Regional Councillors also unanimously “sanctioned” themselves from Russia,
which is not how sanctions against individuals work.
Niagara
Regional Council also lit their “Everyone Welcome” sign in Israel’s colours and
the City of St. Catharines officially sided with Israel (“rally for Israel”) in
a statement by a city councillor on behalf of the mayor.
Yet many
elected officials said expressing similar support for Palestinians is out of
their jurisdiction, would be divisive, or would be traumatizing.
Do you:
a.
Believe Palestine is not a municipal issue and
so should not be addressed, though Ukraine and Israel are
b.
Believe governments should express support for
Palestinians, they did for Ukrainians and Israelis
c.
Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon
Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
Back to DSBN top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Police have had the second worst disproportional use of force against
Black people (% of use of force incidents vs % of population) in the province
since publishing this data was required by the Ontario Anti-Racism Act. It has
been up to almost 10x disproportional: in
2025, 26% of the use of force was against Black people who were less than 3% of
the population in the 2021 census. This is the same as Minneapolis, where
George Floyd was murdered, which the US Department of Justice called
“discriminatory.”
Neighbouring
police forces such as Hamilton, Peel and Toronto, who are less disproportional
than Niagara, have apologized for their own systemic racism in their
disproportional use of force.
Yet the Police
Chief, when he was Deputy Chief, said the data shows there is
no systemic racism in the Niagara Police. One Police Board member who is
running for mayor of Wainfleet had said in 2020 as a Niagara Regional
Councillor that systemic racism is a “shadowy term…bandied about.”
To our
knowledge none of the Police Board members have mentioned disproportional use
of force against Black people, including the Board Chair who used to be co-chair
of the Police Chief’s Community Inclusion Council, and one Board member who is
a Regional Councillor and chairs the Niagara Regional Council’s Diversity
Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Do you:
a.
Condemn systemic racism in the Niagara Regional
Police based on their own use of force by race data and call for an apology and
addressing the disproportional use of force by race against Black people
b.
Believe data does not show systemic racism in
the Niagara Regional Police
c.
Believe “systemic racism” is a “shadowy
term…bandied about”
d.
Both b and c
e. Other:
|
Todd Bright |
Response not received yet |
|
Helga
Campbell |
Response not received yet |
|
Ravneet Girn |
Response not received yet |
|
Zach Maves |
Response not received yet |
|
Shannon
Mitchell |
Response not received yet |
Back to DSBN top
Back to page top
NCDSB (English Catholic) Trustee
Shortcut to questions suspension rates
white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Special question for trustee candidates:
Niagara-related school boards have
not published suspension rates by race, which neighbouring school boards have, showing Black students
are disproportionately suspended.
Will you advocate and vote for
publishing suspension rates by race data within a year of being elected?
a. Yes
b. No
c.
Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
A- I support transparency and
evidence-based decision-making. If Niagara Catholic is collecting race-based demographic information, then I believe aggregate,
de-identified
suspension and discipline data should be publicly reported in a manner that
protects individual student privacy.I
would advocate for this information to be published within the first year of my term,
provided it is reported in accordance with Ontario’s privacy requirements and
Anti-Racism
Data Standards.I also believe the data should be
presented with sufficient context. A statistical disparity should not automatically be treated as proof of
discrimination,
but neither should it be ignored. If the data shows that Black students or
any other identifiable
group are being suspended at a disproportionately high rate, the Board should examine why,
including the types of incidents involved, the length and frequency of
suspensions, mitigating circumstances, disability or
special-education
considerations
where appropriate, and whether discipline policies are being applied
consistently. My position is simple: collect the facts, publish the facts,
protect student privacy, and then address any problems the evidence actually reveals. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
Back to NCDSB top
Back to page top
White
supremacist groups like the Dominion Society are postering across Niagara
promoting mass deportations (rebranded as “remigration” even though they want
to deport non-migrants i.e. citizens as well). Until recently some
municipalities like St. Catharines deliberately avoided publicly addressing
this out of concern it would incentivize these groups to increase their
activity. Other cities like Hamilton have publicly condemned hate groups like
the Dominion Society, and last week were joined by West Lincoln, Grimsby,
Lincoln, and the mayor of St. Catharines.
Do you:
a.
Believe it’s better not to give attention to
these groups by condemning them
b.
Commit to publicly condemning these groups, now
as a candidate, and as an elected official, and to advocating that the
government body you are elected to condemn these groups publicly
c.
Believe these are not white supremacist groups
or there is nothing wrong with their postering
d.
Support the idea of “remigration” promoted by
these groups
e.
Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
B. I will publicly condemn white
supremacy, racism, antisemitism, religious hatred and any ideology that treats
Canadians as less Canadian because of their race, ancestry, ethnicity or
place of origin. I am particularly concerned by proposals that go beyond legitimate debate about immigration levels and call for mass “remigration,” revocation of citizenship or the removal of people who
are lawfully Canadian citizens based on concepts of ethnic or cultural belonging.
Canada is a democracy. People are entitled to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and
political
disagreement, even when their views are unpopular or offensive. At the same time, elected officials are equally entitled and, in my view, obligated to
speak clearly when rhetoric promotes racial superiority, hatred or the
exclusion of fellow Canadians. As a candidate, and if elected as a Niagara
Catholic school trustee, I will condemn hate and racial supremacy wherever
they arise. I would also support the Board making clear that students,
families and staff of every racial and ethnic background are entitled to feel safe, respected and
fully included in our Catholic schools. This should not be partisan. A Canadian child should never
be made to feel that they belong less in Canada because of the colour of
their skin or where their parents or grandparents were born. At the same time, I would distinguish legitimate debate about immigration policy from racism. Canadians can
reasonably disagree about immigration numbers, border policy and government policy without
being labelled racist. My objection is to racial supremacy and the targeting or exclusion of people based on
race or ethnicity. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
Back to NCDSB top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council Chair Bob Gale resigned mere hours after he was exposed for
buying, owning, and authenticating Nazi memorabilia. The mayors of Niagara
Falls and Pelham said he did nothing wrong and is just a collector, while the
mayor of St. Catharines said this was a distraction from “really important”
things. Very few elected officials condemned Bob Gale.
Do you:
a.
Condemn Bob Gale for owning Nazi memorabilia
b.
Believe Bob Gale did nothing wrong
c. Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
C. I
unequivocally condemn Nazism, antisemitism,
the Holocaust, and any glorification of Nazi ideology. At the same time, I do not believe that the mere ownership of historical
Nazi-era memorabilia, by itself, proves that someone supports Nazi ideology.
Museums, historians, military collectors and private collectors possess
disturbing artifacts
precisely because they are part of history. What maters is the context,
purpose and conduct of the individual. There is an obvious difference between
preserving or collecting
historical material and celebrating, promoting or
displaying Nazi symbols as expressions of admiration or hatred. I therefore
would not condemn any individual solely because they possessed historical memorabilia
without first knowing the full circumstances. If evidence showed that someone
was glorifying Nazism, promoting antisemitism or using such material to
advance hatred, I would condemn that without hesitation. Public officials should also recognize that Nazi imagery
carries enormous historical trauma, particularly for Jewish families and other communities persecuted by the Nazi regime, and should approach such material with appropriate
judgment and sensitivity.
History should be remembered and studied, not glorified. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
Do you also:
a.
Believe this scandal is a distraction from
“really important” issues
b.
Believe top officials collecting autographed
hate propaganda like Mein Kampf is a “really important” issue and
racism, not a distraction
c.
Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
C. I would not dismiss this mater as
a distraction.
When serious concerns are raised about the conduct or judgment of a senior
elected official, the public is entitled to answers and transparency. At the same time, I believe allegations involving racism or support for
hateful ideology are serious enough that they should be based on evidence and
context rather than assumptions. Owning a historical document even an abhorrent
document such as Mein Kampf is not necessarily the same thing as
agreeing with its contents. What would concern me greatly is evidence that an
elected official was admiring, promoting, glorifying or endorsing Nazi ideology or antisemitism. That would unquestionably be a serious public issue and something I would
condemn. We can oppose hatred unequivocally while still being fair about the evidence. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
At a press conference on April 2nd Minister
Flack was asked how
another “Hitler debacle” could be avoided. Can you confirm you do not have,
nor have you ever had, nor will you ever have, Nazi memorabilia?
a.
Yes
b.
No
c.
It’s your personal business or doesn’t matter
d.
Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
D. I do not own or collect Nazi
memorabilia, and I have no intention of doing so. For complete transparency, while
studying Political
Science at Brock University, I took a course on Totalitarianism in which Mein
Kampf was required course material. I purchased the book solely for that
academic purpose and later returned it to the Brock University bookstore
through its textbook buy-back program. Studying a historical or political text in an academic setting is fundamentally different from
collecting
Nazi memorabilia or supporting the ideology contained in it. I have never possessed
Nazi material as an expression of admiration for Nazism and have never supported Nazi ideology. I
unequivocally condemn Nazism, antisemitism, racial supremacy and the atrocities commited
by the Nazi regime. We study history, including its darkest chapters, so that
we understand it and do not repeat it. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
Back to NCDSB top
Back to page top
The
Niagara Falls mayor said it was “out of context,” “misconstrued,” and a “split
hair” to condemn comments by the ex-CAO at a City Council meeting saying
Indigenous evacuees out in public would be seen as “homeless” by residents.
Statements by
the Kashechewan, Nishnawbe
Aski Nation, Chiefs
of Ontario, and Niagara
Regional Native Centre condemned the ex-CAO’s comments for reinforcing
stereotypes and ignoring that all Indigenous peoples have every right to be on
their own land.
Do you:
a.
Believe the ex-CAO’s comments were taken “out of
context,” “misconstrued,” or a “split hair”
b.
Agree with the Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and Niagara Regional Native Centre in
condemning the ex-CAO’s comments for amplifying racism.
c.
Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
B. I agree that the comments
deserved to be condemned. Referring to Indigenous evacuees as potentially
being perceived as “homeless” risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes about
Indigenous people, particularly when those individuals were being temporarily
displaced from their communities. I do not need to conclude that the former
CAO intended to be racist in order to recognize that
the language was inappropriate and that Indigenous leaders and organizations
had legitimate reasons to be offended and concerned by it. When Indigenous communities
themselves including Kashechewan leadership,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Niagara Regional Native
Centre tell public officials that particular language reinforces damaging
stereotypes, I believe elected officials should listen rather than simply
dismiss those concerns as being “out of context” or a matter of splitting
hairs. As a school trustee, that same principle would guide me. Listening
does not require agreeing on every issue, but it does require taking people
seriously when they tell us that our words or decisions have caused harm.
Indigenous students, families and community members deserve the same dignity,
respect and sense of belonging as everyone else in Niagara. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
Back to NCDSB top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council and several municipalities like St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold and Lincoln
have passed motions supporting Ukraine, and some motions supported military
escalation.
Niagara
Regional Councillors also unanimously “sanctioned” themselves from Russia,
which is not how sanctions against individuals work.
Niagara
Regional Council also lit their “Everyone Welcome” sign in Israel’s colours and
the City of St. Catharines officially sided with Israel (“rally for Israel”) in
a statement by a city councillor on behalf of the mayor.
Yet many
elected officials said expressing similar support for Palestinians is out of
their jurisdiction, would be divisive, or would be traumatizing.
Do you:
a.
Believe Palestine is not a municipal issue and
so should not be addressed, though Ukraine and Israel are
b.
Believe governments should express support for
Palestinians, they did for Ukrainians and Israelis
c.
Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
C. I believe governments and public
institutions should apply a consistent standard. If an institution chooses to
speak publicly about international conflicts or express solidarity with
civilians affected by war, that concern should not depend on the nationality,
ethnicity or religion of the people suffering. Ukrainians, Israelis and
Palestinians are all human beings deserving of safety, dignity and
compassion. Palestinian civilians should not be treated as though
acknowledging their suffering is somehow uniquely divisive or outside the
jurisdiction of public officials when those same institutions have previously
spoken about other international conflicts. At the same time, as a candidate
for school trustee, I recognize that the Niagara Catholic District School
Board is not a foreign-policy body. Trustees are elected primarily to govern
education, oversee public resources and serve students, families and staff
not to conduct international diplomacy. Where international events affect our
schools, however, the Board does have responsibilities. We must protect
students and staff from antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism
and all other forms of hatred, and ensure that students affected personally
or through their families are treated with compassion and respect. I would
therefore apply the same principle regardless of the conflict: do not
selectively recognize one community’s suffering while dismissing another’s. I
support the dignity and safety of Palestinian civilians, Israeli civilians
and all innocent people affected by war, while recognizing that complicated
questions of international law, military policy and foreign affairs are
properly matters for the federal government and international institutions.
My responsibility as a trustee would be to make sure that every child who
walks into a Niagara Catholic school knows that their life, family and dignity
matter equally. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
Back to NCDSB top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Police have had the second worst disproportional use of force against
Black people (% of use of force incidents vs % of population) in the province
since publishing this data was required by the Ontario Anti-Racism Act. It has
been up to almost 10x disproportional: in
2025, 26% of the use of force was against Black people who were less than 3% of
the population in the 2021 census. This is the same as Minneapolis, where
George Floyd was murdered, which the US Department of Justice called
“discriminatory.”
Neighbouring
police forces such as Hamilton, Peel and Toronto, who are less disproportional
than Niagara, have apologized for their own systemic racism in their
disproportional use of force.
Yet the Police
Chief, when he was Deputy Chief, said the data shows there is
no systemic racism in the Niagara Police. One Police Board member who is
running for mayor of Wainfleet had said in 2020 as a Niagara Regional
Councillor that systemic racism is a “shadowy term…bandied about.”
To our
knowledge none of the Police Board members have mentioned disproportional use
of force against Black people, including the Board Chair who used to be co-chair
of the Police Chief’s Community Inclusion Council, and one Board member who is
a Regional Councillor and chairs the Niagara Regional Council’s Diversity
Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Do you:
a.
Condemn systemic racism in the Niagara Regional
Police based on their own use of force by race data and call for an apology and
addressing the disproportional use of force by race against Black people
b.
Believe data does not show systemic racism in
the Niagara Regional Police
c.
Believe “systemic racism” is a “shadowy
term…bandied about”
d.
Both b and c
e. Other:
|
Joseph
Bruzzese |
Response not received yet |
|
Tony Caruso |
E. The racial disparity identified
in Niagara Regional Police use-of-force data is serious and should not be
minimized or dismissed. When Black residents represent a relatively small
percentage of Niagara's population but a substantially larger percentage of
reported use-of-force encounters, the public is entitled to know why. At the
same time, I believe conclusions as serious as systemic racism should be
based upon a thorough analysis of the evidence rather than simply declaring
that every statistical disparity, standing alone, proves its cause. I
therefore support the continued public release of race-based policing data,
an independent and transparent examination of the causes of any significant
disparities, and concrete corrective action where systemic barriers,
discriminatory practices or policies are identified. Systemic racism does not require
every individual police officer to be personally racist. Systems, policies or
practices can produce unequal outcomes even without deliberate discriminatory
intent. For that reason, substantial and persistent racial disparities must
be examined seriously rather than explained away. If an independent
evidence-based review concludes that systemic racism is contributing to
Niagara's use-of-force disparities, I would expect the Niagara Regional
Police Service and Police Service Board to acknowledge that finding publicly,
take responsibility and implement measurable reforms. Conversely, I would not
prejudge individual officers or declare a particular cause before the
evidence has been properly examined. As a school trustee candidate, policing
is not within the jurisdiction of the Niagara Catholic District School Board.
However, the broader issue absolutely matters to our students and families.
Black students should grow up knowing that their concerns about
discrimination will be heard, taken seriously and examined on the evidence.
My approach is straightforward: publish the data, investigate disparities
honestly, acknowledge problems where they exist, and fix them. |
|
Jim Marino |
Response not received yet |
Back to NCDSB top
Back to page top
Shortcut to questions suspension rates white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Special question for trustee candidates:
Niagara-related school boards have
not published suspension rates by race, which neighbouring school boards have, showing Black students
are disproportionately suspended.
Will you advocate and vote for
publishing suspension rates by race data within a year of being elected?
a. Yes
b. No
c.
Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSV top
Back to page top
White
supremacist groups like the Dominion Society are postering across Niagara
promoting mass deportations (rebranded as “remigration” even though they want
to deport non-migrants i.e. citizens as well). Until recently some
municipalities like St. Catharines deliberately avoided publicly addressing
this out of concern it would incentivize these groups to increase their
activity. Other cities like Hamilton have publicly condemned hate groups like
the Dominion Society, and last week were joined by West Lincoln, Grimsby,
Lincoln, and the mayor of St. Catharines.
Do you:
a.
Believe it’s better not to give attention to
these groups by condemning them
b.
Commit to publicly condemning these groups, now
as a candidate, and as an elected official, and to advocating that the
government body you are elected to condemn these groups publicly
c.
Believe these are not white supremacist groups
or there is nothing wrong with their postering
d.
Support the idea of “remigration” promoted by
these groups
e.
Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSV top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council Chair Bob Gale resigned mere hours after he was exposed for
buying, owning, and authenticating Nazi memorabilia. The mayors of Niagara
Falls and Pelham said he did nothing wrong and is just a collector, while the
mayor of St. Catharines said this was a distraction from “really important”
things. Very few elected officials condemned Bob Gale.
Do you:
a.
Condemn Bob Gale for owning Nazi memorabilia
b.
Believe Bob Gale did nothing wrong
c.
Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
Do you also:
a.
Believe this scandal is a distraction from
“really important” issues
b.
Believe top officials collecting autographed
hate propaganda like Mein Kampf is a “really important” issue and
racism, not a distraction
c.
Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
At a press conference on April 2nd Minister
Flack was asked how
another “Hitler debacle” could be avoided. Can you confirm you do not have,
nor have you ever had, nor will you ever have, Nazi memorabilia?
a.
Yes
b.
No
c.
It’s your personal business or doesn’t matter
d.
Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSV top
Back to page top
The
Niagara Falls mayor said it was “out of context,” “misconstrued,” and a “split
hair” to condemn comments by the ex-CAO at a City Council meeting saying
Indigenous evacuees out in public would be seen as “homeless” by residents.
Statements by
the Kashechewan, Nishnawbe
Aski Nation, Chiefs
of Ontario, and Niagara
Regional Native Centre condemned the ex-CAO’s comments for reinforcing
stereotypes and ignoring that all Indigenous peoples have every right to be on
their own land.
Do you:
a.
Believe the ex-CAO’s comments were taken “out of
context,” “misconstrued,” or a “split hair”
b.
Agree with the Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and Niagara Regional Native Centre in
condemning the ex-CAO’s comments for amplifying racism.
c.
Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSV top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council and several municipalities like St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold and Lincoln
have passed motions supporting Ukraine, and some motions supported military
escalation.
Niagara
Regional Councillors also unanimously “sanctioned” themselves from Russia,
which is not how sanctions against individuals work.
Niagara
Regional Council also lit their “Everyone Welcome” sign in Israel’s colours and
the City of St. Catharines officially sided with Israel (“rally for Israel”) in
a statement by a city councillor on behalf of the mayor.
Yet many
elected officials said expressing similar support for Palestinians is out of
their jurisdiction, would be divisive, or would be traumatizing.
Do you:
a.
Believe Palestine is not a municipal issue and
so should not be addressed, though Ukraine and Israel are
b.
Believe governments should express support for
Palestinians, they did for Ukrainians and Israelis
c.
Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSV top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Police have had the second worst disproportional use of force against
Black people (% of use of force incidents vs % of population) in the province
since publishing this data was required by the Ontario Anti-Racism Act. It has
been up to almost 10x disproportional: in
2025, 26% of the use of force was against Black people who were less than 3% of
the population in the 2021 census. This is the same as Minneapolis, where
George Floyd was murdered, which the US Department of Justice called
“discriminatory.”
Neighbouring
police forces such as Hamilton, Peel and Toronto, who are less disproportional
than Niagara, have apologized for their own systemic racism in their
disproportional use of force.
Yet the Police
Chief, when he was Deputy Chief, said the data shows there is
no systemic racism in the Niagara Police. One Police Board member who is
running for mayor of Wainfleet had said in 2020 as a Niagara Regional
Councillor that systemic racism is a “shadowy term…bandied about.”
To our
knowledge none of the Police Board members have mentioned disproportional use
of force against Black people, including the Board Chair who used to be co-chair
of the Police Chief’s Community Inclusion Council, and one Board member who is
a Regional Councillor and chairs the Niagara Regional Council’s Diversity
Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Do you:
a.
Condemn systemic racism in the Niagara Regional
Police based on their own use of force by race data and call for an apology and
addressing the disproportional use of force by race against Black people
b.
Believe data does not show systemic racism in
the Niagara Regional Police
c.
Believe “systemic racism” is a “shadowy
term…bandied about”
d.
Both b and c
e. Other:
|
Amanda Leduc |
Response not received yet |
|
Marcel Tikeng |
Response not received yet |
|
Matthew
Graham |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSV top
Back to page top
Shortcut to questions suspension rates white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Special question for trustee candidates:
Niagara-related school boards have
not published suspension rates by race, which neighbouring school boards have, showing Black students
are disproportionately suspended.
Will you advocate and vote for
publishing suspension rates by race data within a year of being elected?
a. Yes
b. No
c.
Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSM top
Back to page top
White
supremacist groups like the Dominion Society are postering across Niagara
promoting mass deportations (rebranded as “remigration” even though they want
to deport non-migrants i.e. citizens as well). Until recently some
municipalities like St. Catharines deliberately avoided publicly addressing
this out of concern it would incentivize these groups to increase their
activity. Other cities like Hamilton have publicly condemned hate groups like
the Dominion Society, and last week were joined by West Lincoln, Grimsby,
Lincoln, and the mayor of St. Catharines.
Do you:
a.
Believe it’s better not to give attention to
these groups by condemning them
b.
Commit to publicly condemning these groups, now
as a candidate, and as an elected official, and to advocating that the
government body you are elected to condemn these groups publicly
c.
Believe these are not white supremacist groups
or there is nothing wrong with their postering
d.
Support the idea of “remigration” promoted by
these groups
e.
Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSM top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council Chair Bob Gale resigned mere hours after he was exposed for
buying, owning, and authenticating Nazi memorabilia. The mayors of Niagara
Falls and Pelham said he did nothing wrong and is just a collector, while the
mayor of St. Catharines said this was a distraction from “really important”
things. Very few elected officials condemned Bob Gale.
Do you:
a.
Condemn Bob Gale for owning Nazi memorabilia
b.
Believe Bob Gale did nothing wrong
c.
Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
Do you also:
a.
Believe this scandal is a distraction from
“really important” issues
b.
Believe top officials collecting autographed
hate propaganda like Mein Kampf is a “really important” issue and
racism, not a distraction
c.
Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
At a press conference on April 2nd Minister
Flack was asked how
another “Hitler debacle” could be avoided. Can you confirm you do not have,
nor have you ever had, nor will you ever have, Nazi memorabilia?
a.
Yes
b.
No
c.
It’s your personal business or doesn’t matter
d.
Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSM top
Back to page top
The
Niagara Falls mayor said it was “out of context,” “misconstrued,” and a “split
hair” to condemn comments by the ex-CAO at a City Council meeting saying
Indigenous evacuees out in public would be seen as “homeless” by residents.
Statements by
the Kashechewan, Nishnawbe
Aski Nation, Chiefs
of Ontario, and Niagara
Regional Native Centre condemned the ex-CAO’s comments for reinforcing
stereotypes and ignoring that all Indigenous peoples have every right to be on
their own land.
Do you:
a.
Believe the ex-CAO’s comments were taken “out of
context,” “misconstrued,” or a “split hair”
b.
Agree with the Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and Niagara Regional Native Centre in
condemning the ex-CAO’s comments for amplifying racism.
c.
Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSM top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Council and several municipalities like St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold and Lincoln
have passed motions supporting Ukraine, and some motions supported military
escalation.
Niagara
Regional Councillors also unanimously “sanctioned” themselves from Russia,
which is not how sanctions against individuals work.
Niagara
Regional Council also lit their “Everyone Welcome” sign in Israel’s colours and
the City of St. Catharines officially sided with Israel (“rally for Israel”) in
a statement by a city councillor on behalf of the mayor.
Yet many
elected officials said expressing similar support for Palestinians is out of
their jurisdiction, would be divisive, or would be traumatizing.
Do you:
a.
Believe Palestine is not a municipal issue and
so should not be addressed, though Ukraine and Israel are
b.
Believe governments should express support for
Palestinians, they did for Ukrainians and Israelis
c.
Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSM top
Back to page top
Niagara
Regional Police have had the second worst disproportional use of force against
Black people (% of use of force incidents vs % of population) in the province
since publishing this data was required by the Ontario Anti-Racism Act. It has
been up to almost 10x disproportional: in
2025, 26% of the use of force was against Black people who were less than 3% of
the population in the 2021 census. This is the same as Minneapolis, where
George Floyd was murdered, which the US Department of Justice called
“discriminatory.”
Neighbouring
police forces such as Hamilton, Peel and Toronto, who are less disproportional
than Niagara, have apologized for their own systemic racism in their
disproportional use of force.
Yet the Police
Chief, when he was Deputy Chief, said the data shows there is
no systemic racism in the Niagara Police. One Police Board member who is
running for mayor of Wainfleet had said in 2020 as a Niagara Regional
Councillor that systemic racism is a “shadowy term…bandied about.”
To our
knowledge none of the Police Board members have mentioned disproportional use
of force against Black people, including the Board Chair who used to be co-chair
of the Police Chief’s Community Inclusion Council, and one Board member who is
a Regional Councillor and chairs the Niagara Regional Council’s Diversity
Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Do you:
a.
Condemn systemic racism in the Niagara Regional
Police based on their own use of force by race data and call for an apology and
addressing the disproportional use of force by race against Black people
b.
Believe data does not show systemic racism in
the Niagara Regional Police
c.
Believe “systemic racism” is a “shadowy
term…bandied about”
d.
Both b and c
e. Other:
|
Melinda Chartrand |
Response not received yet |
Back to CSM top
Back to page top