By Harinder Mahil
On Sunday, September 24, social media posts began popping up on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) about the “Whites-only Moms and Tots” group meant for families of European descent. The group’s racist posters had appeared in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam asking families: “Are you looking for somewhere your children can play with others that look like them?”
The poster further reads: “Escape the diversity and join other proud parents of European children as we create an atmosphere in which our kids can feel like they belong. Invest in your child’s sense of well-being and racial identity by giving them the gift of time spent amongst their own people- because they deserve it.”
The posters advertise a play group for mothers and children to “join other proud parents of European children as we create an atmosphere in which our kids feel like they belong.” Contact information at the bottom of the posters refers to the group as “White Tri-Cities Parents and Tots.”
According to news reports these posters had appeared at the Coquitlam Centre Mall and along Shaughnessy Street in Port Coquitlam. An official with the City of Port Coquitlam stated that the they had been alerted to the posters over the weekend and had directed bylaw officers to search for them and remove them.
I was pleased to see mayors of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam condemn the white parents’ group for its racism. In its statement, City of Port Coquitlam condemned the posters and the group “in the strongest terms,” adding that the city “promotes an environment without hate.” Port Coquitlam mayor Brad West stated, “This vile garbage isn’t welcome in our community, or anywhere else.”
The City of Coquitlam said in a release that the notices are racist because they “explicitly exclude” certain groups based on their race, and they have no place in the city.
“Coquitlam celebrates its rich diversity and we firmly believe that it is through the embrace of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences that we grow stronger as a community,” it said. The statement said the city encourages spaces that are inclusive of all children, no matter their backgrounds.
It is upsetting to see this group of parents not only practice racism but also teach racism to their children. If they teach their children to play with only those who look like them, what will they do when their grow up. How will they deal with others who do not look like them?
Such racist practices and sentiments have no place in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam or anywhere else in our province. Discrimination and this type of prejudice have no place in our society.
The West Coast Coalition Against Racism (WCCAR) condemns this group’s actions in strongest terms and joins the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam in promoting an environment without hate. We call on the community to condemn all forms of hate and support a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
Harinder Mahil is an activist in the community and is president of the West Coast Coalition Against Racism (WCCAR).
