Statement condemning hate and impact of downtown demonstrations on our communities

As a member of the United For All coalition, Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) strongly condemns the racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic symbols, signs and acts associated with the ongoing protests in Ottawa’s downtown core. The display of Confederate flags, Nazi yellow stars and swastikas is traumatizing to members of our communities who continue to be marginalized by systemic and interpersonal acts of hate and violence. We have been deeply troubled by reports from our community, clients and staff of harassment, threats and physical violence experienced at the hands of demonstrators. Residents throughout our service area continue to experience the psychological impacts of noise pollution and intimidation. It is in direct opposition to our work to make our neighbourhood and our city a better place to live for marginalized community members. This kind of hate is not welcome here. SWCHC stands in solidarity with those residents most affected by the hate-based physical and psychological violence that has taken place in our city, including our neighbours who are Jewish, Black, Indigenous, disabled, members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and/or without housing. We remind those in our catchment that there are supports available to you including practical assistance, crisis support, counseling and information and referrals.

Please reach out to the supports available to you including practical assistance, crisis support, counseling, and information and referral, including:

Somerset West Community Health Centre

Phone: 613-238-8210

Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region

Phone: 613-238-3311 (24/7) Text: 343-306-5550 Chat: http://dcottawa.on.ca (Both 10am-11pm)

Youth Service Bureau

Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (Eastern Ontario)

Counselling Connect https://www.counsellingconnect.org/

Support Line for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Communities

Phone: 343-571-0097

If you are affected by a hate crime, Ottawa Police Service encourages you to report it online at https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/contact-us/Online-Reporting.aspx or call 613-236-1222 (Press 1 for English, then 2 to connect to the Communications Centre). For emergencies, always call 911. A translator can be available within minutes.