b'FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GRAEME AITKENE contractors,ourlabourpartners,employeesanddefend and protect the ideals that make this a country to be proud to live ECAOmember Affiliate Partners are to be praised for the work that has been done toin, said IBEW/CCO Executive Secretary Treasurer James Barry.keep our people safe and healthy through the first half of 2020, amidThere have been several recent instances of racial acts on construction sites in COVID-19. Your actions and stellar performances were prominent inToronto where numerous trades work. Police are investigating.the last issue of this publication, and are again in this issue. Many inside and outside our industry have looked to us during the pandemic, andThere is no place for anyone within the IBEW/CCO who exhibits racist for that we should be proud. behavior, said Barry.ItismyhopethatwecanshowthesametypeofleadershipandThe IBEW/CCO calls on all its members to speak out if they see any such understanding with respect to racism, sexism, bigotry and inclusion.repugnant acts on a construction site.There were several unacceptable and abhorrent incidents on Ontario job sites recently, actions that have no place in our community or, for thatIt is simply not enough to stay silent. Regardless of whether this is one of matter, in any community. As I write this, the police are probing threeyour own colleagues or someone in another trade, if you see a racist act you (3) racist noose incidents at Toronto construction sites. Responses frommust speak out and you must report it.employers and employer associations have been quick and unequivocal. ECAO will not tolerate, dismiss or ignore these or any other racist, The recent public statement below, made by Richard Lyall, Presidentcowardly and hateful acts. Racism is insidious and affects all aspects of of RESCON, succinctly states that these recent unacceptable incidentslife. We must be committed to eliminating any racist processes within do not reflect the views of the 400,000 construction people who workthe ECAO and our members, and advocate for the elimination of racist in Ontarios construction industry. RESCON represents more than 200and oppressive systems and policies within our ranks and society in residential builders in the province.general. Our industry should be a community where every person can These are disturbing and shocking racially-motivated incidents that arereach their full potential regardless of their colour, gender, religion, denounced by everyone who works in our industry, said RESCON presidentculture or ethnic origin. Our community must take steps to identify Richard Lyall. These are acts of cowardice and racism that have no place inand take corrective action to eliminate racist behaviours. our industry, nor society. The perpetrators must be caught and prosecuted. In order to do so, we must first acknowledge that this problem exists RESCON is disgusted by these incidents, said Lyall. A noose is a veryin our industry. We should, in my view, continue to develop strategies specific racist symbol and one that is disturbingly targeted against the Blacktobuildcapacityandencouragetheinclusionofknowledgeand community. This is completely unacceptable. We have a multi-racial andperspectives of those who have been marginalized; recognize and uphold multi-cultural workforce and oppose all forms of racism.the principle of promoting an environment and culture in which our people, all people, are treated with mutual respect, dignity and equity; I cannot overstate my support for Mr. Lyalls disgust of these cowardlyand advocate for change to the structures that discriminate for reasons and racist acts. Education and action are unquestionably necessary. Letsuch as race, ethnic origin, linguistic and cultural diversity, age, class, me also applaud the IBEW/CCO for their position on these incidents. mental health, ability, sexual orientation or gender. These actions are Let me be clear, there is absolutely zero tolerance for racist behavior, norneither simple nor easy, yet they are critical if our industry is to become is it acceptable to remain silent or look the other way. We must stand up,the inclusive community that is embodied in our Nations Constitution.Ontario Electrical Contractor5'