Poster advertising 'whites-only' children's playtime sparks outrage in B.C. community
Police have launched an investigation into a poster inviting "proud parents of European children" to participate in racially segregated playtime in B.C.'s Lower Mainland.
The invitation advertises "whites-only" gatherings for mothers in the Tri-Cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody who are "looking for somewhere your children can play with others that look like them."
Over the weekend, the Instagram account Black Vancouver shared an image of the poster captured at a bus stop in Port Coquitlam, prompting widespread outrage, including from Mayor Brad West.
"This vile garbage isn't welcome in our community, or anywhere else," West said in a statement Monday. "We strive and continue to work on building the bonds of our community and breaking down barriers, promoting all the diversity our city has."
Bylaw officers went to the area to remove the poster immediately after learning of its existence, but were unable to track it down, according to the mayor.
"Perhaps it was removed by someone else in the community," West added.
Vancouver South MP Harjit Sajjan also weighed in on social media Monday, condemning the poster as "deeply disturbing."
"Canada is a country that welcome people from all backgrounds – we embrace our diversity," Sajjan wrote. "It is truly disheartening to see children dragged into messages of racism and discrimination."
It's unclear who is behind the invitation. A URL on the poster links to a private messaging group on the Telegram app.
In a statement, Coquitlam RCMP confirmed officers are investigating reports of "suspicious signs" in both Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam to determine "if there is any criminality involved."
Anyone with information on the poster is asked to contact the detachment at 604-945-1550.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Senators were intimidated, had their privilege breached, Speaker rules
Any attempt to intimidate a senator while in the process of fulfilling their duties is a breach of their privilege, even if the effort is ultimately unsuccessful, the Speaker of the Senate ruled Tuesday.
Two Canadian citizens confirmed dead in Antigua: Global Affairs
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed the death of two Canadian citizens in Antigua and Barbuda, news that comes amid reports from local officials that a woman and child drowned last week at Devil’s Bridge.
Here is Canada's unseasonably mild December forecast
December is predicted to be unseasonably mild across Canada, thanks to a "moderate-to-strong" El Nino and human-caused warming. Warming and precipitation trends will be stronger in some parts of the country than others, and severe weather is still possible, meteorologists say.
Heavy fighting in Gaza halts most aid delivery and leaves civilians with few places to seek safety
Israeli forces battled Hamas militants across Gaza on Wednesday after expanding their ground offensive to its second-largest city, further shrinking the area where Palestinians can seek safety and halting the distribution of vital aid across most of the territory.
DEVELOPING Bank of Canada to announce interest rate decision today
The Bank of Canada is set to announce its interest rate decision this morning as forecasters widely expect the central bank to continue holding its key rate steady.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Poilievre keeps scoring into the Liberals' empty net
In his column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says Pierre Poilievre's new 'Housing Hell' video dealt a 'devastating' blow to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberals, whose cupboard seems empty of big ideas.
Nearly 70 victim impact statements expected at Nathaniel Veltman sentencing
As the Crown and the defence discussed legal matters ahead of the sentencing hearing of Nathaniel Veltman, the court heard that 68 victim impact statements are expected to be submitted.
MPs to vote on referring 'serious error' Speaker Fergus made to House affairs committee for study
MPs will be deciding Wednesday whether House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus' video in his traditional Speaker's garb that played at a partisan event constitutes a 'serious error of judgment' and merits a committee probe.
'Widespread' sexual and gender-based crimes committed during Hamas attack, Israeli officials say
Israeli officials say there were 'widespread' sexual and gender-based crimes committed by Hamas during its Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel.