A racist banner with ties to a white supremacist group seen near Steinbach has sparked fierce backlash from many in the southern Manitoba city.
Manitoba RCMP said officers were made aware of the banner Tuesday morning, hung on the overpass at the corner of Highway 1 and Highway 12.
“Officers attended immediately and removed the banner. It is now with the Steinbach RCMP pending further investigation,” a spokesperson told CTV News in an email.
However, before the sign was removed, a photo of it was spread widely on social media. RCMP confirmed the image being shared is the banner that was removed.
The image shows the banner painted with the words ‘Steinbach votes white, not brown’ including the name of a white supremacist group underneath.
Mitesh Kumar is among 10 candidates running for council in Steinbach. He said the incident has him worried for his safety and the safety of his family. Still, Kumar said he won’t let it impact the way he views the community he’s lived in for the past decade.
“I won’t label this community in a way that what was reflected in that sign,” he said. “I love my Steinbach, and (the) community is great.”
He said this election will be determined by the policy issues facing the southern Manitoba city — issues like public transit, taxes and public safety.
“It’s not going to vote based on any skin colour,” he said.
The banner has sparked immediate condemnation from many in Steinbach. Eugene Warwaruk, president of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, said he was disgusted when he first saw the banner online.
“Absolutely abhorrent. We cannot stand for this,” he told CTV News.
Warwaruk said he doesn’t believe the banner represents the vast majority of people living in his city.
“It just is revolting. And I think that we have to stand up immediately and say we are not allowing this to just fester, and we’re not going to allow this kind of statement to stand without being addressed directly and publicly.
Steinbach resident Mark Giesbrecht has lived in Steinbach for the past 13 years. He was shocked when he learned of the banner.
“It was quite appalling to see that type of racism or prejudice in this town. It kind of worries me that there’s that drastic of a mindset apparently in this town,” he said.
While area resident Rick Loewen said he was shocked to see the banner, but not entirely surprised.
“It’s pretty insidious. Like it’s a slow creeping thing,” he said.
In a statement posted online, Manitoba RCMP East District Commander Supt. Chris Hastie said police will not tolerate any form of hate, intimidation, harassment or harmful targeting of communities or individuals.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Secure tips can also be made online.
