February 28, 2025
The Honourable Arif Virani
Minister of Justice
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Virani:
RE: Motion regarding Protecting Canadian Values: Ban the Nazi Swastika in Canada, Our File: C00
Council of the Region of Durham, at its meeting held on February 26, 2025, adopted the following recommendations of the Committee of the Whole, as amended:
“Whereas in recent years, Nazi iconography has surfaced with alarming frequency in the public sphere, used by an increasing number of groups and individuals to promote hate and instill fear within Canadian society; and
Whereas since the atrocities of WWII, the Nazi swastika, also known as the hakenkreuze, has become universally synonymous with systematic violence, terror and hate. Its growing presence in our country poses a threat to every single Canadian citizen, undermining the core values of equality, diversity, and inclusion that define our nation, and
Whereas eighteen countries have already taken action to ban these symbols, it is imperative that Canada follow suit;
Therefore be it resolved, that Durham Region Council supports B’Nai Brith’s call to the Government of Canada to pass legislation banning, with exceptions for certain educational and artistic purposes, the public display of Nazi symbols and iconography, including the Nazi swastika (hakenkreuze). Specifically, demanding that the Government of Canada immediately:
- Ban the Nazi swastika (hakenkreuze)
- Ban all Nazi symbols and iconography
Durham Region Council agrees that the people of Canada are counting on the federal government to ensure a future free from hate, where every Canadian is protected, valued, and respected; and
That a copy of this motion is sent to all Canadian Municipalities.”
Alexander Harras, M.P.A.
Director of Legislative Services & Regional Clerk