Hate has no place in Kingston. Neither does silence.

I've been deeply troubled by the incidents of hate, threats and intimidation we are seeing in Kingston. It's hard to believe that in a city like ours, in a country like this, in the 21st century that we are seeing a rise in hate.

Our Jewish and Muslim communities have both most recently been targeted. Other faith communities, women, racialized residents and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have also experienced harassment, discrimination and threats.

The recent Kingston Police investigation into online comments allegedly promoting hatred and violence toward religious communities is another reminder that these are not problems happening somewhere else. They are happening here, in our city and in neighbouring municipalities like Belleville.

One of my biggest concerns is that it is allowed to become normal, and that we will become numb to what would typically make us outraged. These incidents should provoke outrage. Outrage that strengthens our resolve to confront hatred wherever it occurs and take meaningful action to prevent it.

I believe strongly that people should be able to live their lives, practise their faith, express their beliefs and participate fully in our community without fear of being threatened, harassed or intimidated.

We don't all have to agree. In fact, a healthy democracy depends on our ability to disagree, sometimes passionately. But disagreement does not give anyone the right to threaten others or deny them the dignity and respect they deserve.

And this isn't only about religion. No one should be targeted because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, identity or background.

We need to be equally clear about all forms of hate, while recognizing that different communities face different threats and challenges.

I have spent much of my professional and public life working to remove barriers, challenge discrimination and create environments where people can participate and succeed. One thing that experience has taught me is that good intentions and statements of support don't change things on their own.

I thank our communities for reminding me of this, and of the obligation those of us seeking to lead have to take action. What matters is what we actually do.

So, as Mayor, what I would do is bring City leadership, Kingston Police, faith and community organizations, and those working to address violence and discrimination together around a clear community safety and anti-hate action plan.

We need to identify where people are being targeted, improve how incidents are reported and addressed, strengthen prevention and education, and make sure people who experience hate have access to meaningful support.

It also means building on the work already being done in Kingston, rather than creating another committee that meets, talks and produces a report that sits on a shelf.

I believe we need to address the behaviours and attitudes that allow hatred to grow, before they escalate into threats or violence.

I don't want a City Hall that simply says the right things when something goes wrong. I want a City Hall that takes steps to help prevent it from happening again.

Kingston is a community of many faiths, cultures, identities and experiences. We are not always going to see the world the same way, but we share this city, and we have a responsibility to one another.

We cannot control everything happening in the world, but we can decide how we treat one another here at home. When someone in our community is targeted, it affects all of us. And when we stand up for one another, we make Kingston stronger. I will stand up and show up for Kingston and I ask you to join me in doing the same.

Everyone deserves to feel safe. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone deserves to belong.

That is what our voice, our city, our city hall means to me. Not just words, but leadership that is prepared to act for and with you.