Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke told a large audience at council’s swearing-in ceremony that racism and homophobia won’t be tolerated.
Clarke says some “newcomers” are contacting him looking for help dealing with racism because they feel there is nowhere else to turn.
Meanwhile, Clarke says he was victim of homophobic slurs during the recent municipal campaign because of his same-sex marriage.
Clarke says council will work with police to decide what the consequences should be for targeting someone’s sexual orientation or ethnicity.
He says curbing racism and homophobia are among other civic priorities such as encouraging constituents to be more engaged with local government given a drop in voter turnout.
Ten thousand fewer voters went to the polls in October compared to 2020’s municipal election.
CKOA Radio was there for the official swearing-in ceremony.
