Toronto Police Association Poster and
Stereotyping of the Hispanic Community
The Administration Committee recommends:
(A)the adoption of the following resolutions embodied in the communication (June10, 1999) from the Interim
Community Co-Chair, City of Toronto Community Network on Policing, Anti-Racism, Access and Equity:
"(1)Toronto City Council join with the Mayor in formally expressing condemnation of the Toronto Police
Association poster which promotes racist stereotyping and hostility against the Spanish speaking community, and
tenders its apology to the Hispanic community and to the community at large;
(2)Toronto City Council express its concerns to the Toronto Police Association and that they be encouraged to
adopt an anti-stereotyping policy and guidelines and the provision of anti-racism training;
(3)the Toronto Transit Commission, in conformity with existing municipal policy on the portrayal of the diverse
community in all information and communications, be urged to implement with the support and assistance of the
Access and Equity Centre, rigorous procedures in monitoring advertisements before being displayed on its
properties;
(4)the Police Services Board be urged to clearly disassociate itself from the Toronto Police Association poster and
also tender its regrets and apology to both the Hispanic community and community at large; and
(5)the Hate Crimes Unit of the Toronto Police Service, or an alternative independent judicial body investigate
whether the Toronto Police Association poster is a chargeable offence under existing hate crimes legislation;"; and
(B)that the Access and Equity Division, within the office of the Chief Administrative Officer, be requested to
facilitate a meeting with representatives of the Hispanic Community and the Toronto Police Association to find a
resolution to this matter that is acceptable to all parties.
The Administration Committee submits the following communication (June10, 1999) from the Interim Community
Co-Chair, City of Toronto Community Network on Policing, Anti-Racism, Access and Equity:
On June 2, 1998, the City of Toronto Community Network on Policing, Anti Racism, Access and Equity discussed the
above matter. This Network is one of the existing municipal advisory committees on access and equity established by the
former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto.
The poster ran for two weeks before it was taken down on May 31, 1999 by the T.T.C. It asks voters in the provincial
election to "help fight crime by electing candidates who are prepared to take on the drug pushers, the pimps and the
rapists¼" It links this message with a picture that depicts a Hispanic gang. Members of the Hispanic community in Toronto
have been deeply hurt by the poster because it "clearly enforces racist stereotyping and hostility against the Spanish
speaking community".
The Network includes representatives of ethno-racial, Aboriginal, and other community stakeholder organisations and
members of Council. It is supported by the City's Access and Equity Centre.
The Network strongly urges the City of Toronto Council to condemn this poster. A strong statement by City Council will
demonstrate its political leadership, enhance its public image, and help to inspire community attitudes in keeping with the
City's commitments in the fields of access, equity, race relations and diversity.
The Network notes that the right to free and unfettered political speech and debate is fundamental to a democratic society.
However this right to free political expression must not be allowed to be abused by exploiting, causing or initiating
prejudice. There can be no place in the democratic process of our society for those who seek to incite, whether blatantly or
covertly, hatred, prejudice and discrimination. Council has the opportunity and obligation to clearly disassociate itself from
a poster displayed on municipal property by an association representing municipal employees.
Therefore the Network requests Council to endorse the following resolutions:
(1)Toronto City Council join with the Mayor in formally expressing condemnation of the Toronto Police Association
poster which promotes racist stereotyping and hostility against the Spanish speaking community, and tenders its apology to
the Hispanic community and to the community at large;
(2)Toronto City Council express its concerns to the Toronto Police Association and that they be encouraged to adopt an
anti-stereotyping policy and guidelines and the provision of anti-racism training;
(3)the Toronto Transit Commission, in conformity with existing municipal policy on the portrayal of the diverse
community in all information and communications, be urged to implement with the support and assistance of the Access
and Equity Centre, rigorous procedures in monitoring advertisements before being displayed on its properties;
(4)the Police Services Board be urged to clearly disassociate itself from the Toronto Police Association poster and also
tender its regrets and apology to both the Hispanic community and community at large; and
(5)the Hate Crimes Unit of the Toronto Police Service, or an alternative independent judicial body investigate whether
the Toronto Police Association poster is a chargeable offence under existing hate crimes legislation.
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The following persons appeared before the Administration Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:
-Mr. Steve Rutchinski, The People's Front/East Indian Defence Committee, and filed a written submission in regard
thereto;
-Ms. Elvira Sanchez de Malicki, Founding President, Canadian Hispanic Congress;
-Councillor Joe Mihevc, Chair, Community Access and Equity; and
-Councillor Sherene Shaw, Scarborough Agincourt.
