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: October 25 (special
notes)
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)
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Councillor (5)
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DSBN (English public) Trustee (1)
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 mayor
councillor NCDSB
Shortcut to questions white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
He said Bob Gale did nothing wrong in having an autographed
authenticated copy of Mein Kampf.
Defended ex-CAO’s comments at Council meeting as was “out of context,” “misconstrued,” and a “split hair” though Indigenous group found them disparaging (one of the survey questions).
Described Charlie Kirk has having a “passionate stance on political topics.”
Voted against Palestine support motions as a Niagara
Regional Councillor
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His claims of human trafficking are actually coded anti-immigration statements, including Islamophobia:
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After first opposing the shut down of the white supremacist Dominion Society conference in Hamilton (one of the questions in the survey) he then doubled down in a video where:
· He called hate speech only “borderline a crime” (is it a crime or isn’t it?)
· Said he would be deported according to the Dominion Society but that’s not true, he is exactly who the Dominion Society wants. He is buying into the Dominion Society’s rebranding of “ethnic cleansing” as “remigration,” they are not about immigration but deporting anyone including citizens who are not of Anglo-Celtic or French background.
·
He is wearing a USA-flag “thin blue line” police
propaganda cap. When we pointed this out he said many
people use things from the USA, completely oblivious or dishonest that he is
wearing a USA flag while campaigning for mayor of a Canadian city at a time of
a tariff/trade war with the USA.
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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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning (special note) |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin Martineau |
Response not received yet |
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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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning (special note) |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin Martineau |
Response not received yet |
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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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning (special note) |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin Martineau |
Response not received yet |
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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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning (special note) |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin Martineau |
Response not received yet |
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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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Lori Lococo |
Response not received yet |
|
Michael Lucid (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Paul Manning (special note) |
Seriously. You want my involvement
after the horrific things you alleged about me? |
|
Kevin Martineau |
Response not received yet |
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Shortcut to questions white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
Voted against Palestine support motions as a Niagara
Regional Councillor.
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Voted against Palestine support motions as a Niagara
Regional Councillor.
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Moved a staff report request to crack down on Palestine
solidarity with a “bubble zone.”
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Spoke in favor of a staff report request to crack down on
Palestine solidarity with a “bubble zone.”
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He harassed Indigenous leaders from the Kashechewan First Nation who were protesting anti-Indigenous comments by an ex-CAO at a Niagara Falls City Council meeting:
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He was put on trial for gender-based violence, though he was acquitted.
In connection with this he organized a scheme to crowd out women from the gallery at a City Council meeting.
He
wore blackface and was turned away from being a Conservative Party candidate
for this.
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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 |
Response not received yet |
|
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 |
Response not received yet |
|
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
Response not received yet |
|
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
Response not received yet |
|
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 |
Response not received yet |
|
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 |
Response not received yet |
|
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 |
Response not received yet |
|
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Carm Notarianni |
Response not received yet |
|
Shane (Shaner) O'Connell |
Response not received yet |
|
Mona Patel (special note) |
Response not received yet |
|
Brad (Brado) Pine (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 |
C: I will advocate and vote for the
public reporting of suspension-rate data disaggregated by race, with
appropriate privacy protections. We cannot effectively address inequitable
outcomes if we do not measure them. Transparent data can help families,
educators, and communities identify disparities, understand their causes, and
develop better support and alternatives to exclusionary discipline. |
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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 |
E. I condemn white-supremacist
organizations and their efforts to normalize racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism and hate. Every person deserves to live,
learn, work and participate in public life without fear of hatred or
exclusion. Silence in the face of organized hate does not make communities
safer. As a candidate, and, if re-elected, as trustee, I will continue to
speak clearly against hate and advocate for the District School Board of Niagara
to uphold safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments for all
students, families, and staff. |
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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 |
C: Public officials should take
racism, antisemitism and hate seriously. I used my social media platform to personally
condemn Bob Gale’s actions. Addressing these matters does not prevent
governments from working on housing, infrastructure, education, affordability
or other pressing concerns. A commitment to human dignity and inclusive
public leadership should be foundational to all that work. |
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 |
C: Public officials should take
racism, antisemitism and hate seriously. I used my social media platform to
personally condemn Bob Gale’s actions. Addressing these matters does not
prevent governments from working on housing, infrastructure, education, affordability
or other pressing concerns. A commitment to human dignity and inclusive
public leadership should be foundational to all that work. |
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 |
This question was not answered in the response |
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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 |
C. I agree with Kashechewan,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, and the Niagara Regional Native
Centre in condemning comments that stereotype Indigenous evacuees or suggest
that Indigenous people are somehow out of place in Niagara.
I personally attended the march and
rally organized to support citizens of Kashechewan
in Niagara.
We should listen to Indigenous
nations, acknowledge the harm caused by anti-Indigenous racism and ensure
that public institutions respond with respect, accountability and meaningful
action. |
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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 |
C: I believe our public schools
should be consistent in opposing racism, collective punishment, hate, and
violations of human rights. |
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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 |
E: The disproportionate use-of-force
data involving Black residents is deeply concerning and requires a serious,
transparent, and accountable response. Data showing that Black people are
substantially overrepresented in use-of-force incidents must not be minimized
or explained away.
As a school board trustee, I do not
sit on the NRPS Service Board and do not direct police operations. However, I
believe all public institutions have a responsibility to confront systemic racism
wherever evidence shows unequal outcomes.
For schools, this work also means
ensuring Black students feel safe, respected and supported; that school
discipline is fair; and that families can have confidence their concerns will
be heard. |
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NCDSB (English Catholic) Trustee
Shortcut to questions suspension rates white supremacists Hitler Debacle Anti-Indigenous comments Palestine Niagara Police
In an Oct 22 Facebook Post he said he is for “ENDING WOKISM IN OUR SCHOOLS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!” (original caps)
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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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 (special note) |
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 |
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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 (special note) |
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 |
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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
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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 |
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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
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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
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