Thunder Bay’s tourism manager isn’t shying away from the potential fallout for local businesses after charges of racism against local police.
Paul Pepe tells us this story has gone international, with reports reaching the Washington Post and Britain.
“As a community, we have to work together to resolve it, not let it define us as a community… I think this is a great community worth fighting for.”
The tourism manager adds he hasn’t noticed any indicators showing Thunder Bay suffering from fewer people coming to visit this city.
He says Thunder Bay is a major hub for many Indigenous people in the region, “who spend over $400-million a year in our local economy… and if visitors to our community don’t feel safe or valued in any way, that could have an impact.”
The tourism manager admits he’s taken many calls from tourist organizations wondering about the reports, which makes his job more challenging.
But, Pepe stresses his job is made worse if this issue is not faced head-on.
“We look at Thunder Bay as becoming more and more multicultural on a global level, and people are here from all over the world, we have a chance to showcase and become an inclusive community.”
The tourism manager also praises Thunder Bay police officers for the daily work they do, adding this community is better than this.
