The chief of the Fort William First Nation is calling for Bill Mauro to be removed from the Police Services Board.
Peter Collins believes the Thunder Bay mayor’s comments at a town hall meeting did not reflect any type of willingness for reconciliation with Indigenous people.
He wants the mayor’s position on the board filled by another Indigenous appointee.
Collins tells us the call is “in light of persistent failure by the mayor of Thunder Bay to acknowledge by his actions and words..the seriousness of systemic racism that exists.”
Mayor Mauro said it drives him insane the city is highlighted in a negative light over Indigenous issues by the national media.
The Fort William First Nation chief agrees the mayor is adding fuel to the fire with the comments.
Meanwhile, a member of the City’s Anti-Racism and Respect Advisory Committee Vincent Simon has tendered his resignation after the Mayor’s town hall comments.
Chair Jason Veltri tells us the committee has reached out to the Mayor to express some of the concerns voiced by Simon and other members of the City.
Veltri notes they are committed to working with the Mayor further and providing any assistance to him that they can.
The committee chair adds he appreciates Simon’s valuable insight and experience over the years.
Meantime, Mayor Mauro says he is not considering stepping away from the board and wants to speak to Collins and Simon about their concerns.
