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

opinion As Trump burns through cash, powerful Republicans are rallying behind a surging candidate
With less than 50 days until Republican voters begin the process of determining their nominee to take on President Joe Biden, political analyst Eric Ham writes about a storm brewing within the GOP -- as super-donors align behind a surging candidate who could pose a threat to frontrunner Donald Trump.
4 in custody after 'brutal' death of Quebec entrepreneur, partner in Dominica
Four people are in police custody after Quebec businessman Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand were found dead in Dominica.
Speaker Fergus apologizes, faces calls to resign over 'personal' video played at Ontario Liberal event
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus apologized to MPs on Monday about a 'personal' video tribute message played this weekend at the Ontario Liberal Party leadership convention, but two opposition parties say that's not enough and are now calling for him to resign over his 'unacceptable' participation in a partisan event.
Escaped kangaroo found safe after 3 days on the loose in Ontario
A kangaroo that escaped the Oshawa Zoo during a one-night stay last week has been recaptured after more than three days on the loose.
CBC says it is cutting 600 jobs, some programming as it slashes budget
The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and Radio-Canada will eliminate about 600 jobs and not fill an additional 200 vacancies. The cuts at CBC come days after the Liberal government suggested it may cap the amount of money CBC and Radio-Canada could get under a $100 million deal Ottawa recently signed with Google.
Driver arrested after nearly hitting pro-Palestinian demonstrator in Victoria
A driver was arrested in Victoria on Sunday after nearly hitting a protester with a car during a pro-Palestinian rally outside the B.C. legislature.
Short-term rentals have 'significantly impacted' housing affordability: Desjardins
A Desjardins report suggests short-term rentals likely contributed to the housing affordability crisis in Canada and around the world.
Canada's foreign interference commissioner unveils parties granted standing in inquiry
The Government of Canada as well as the Conservative and New Democratic parties are among the nearly two dozen entities granted standing to participate in the national public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections and democratic institutions, Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue revealed Monday.
NDP calling on Liberals to establish special immigration measures to help Canadians with families in Gaza
The federal NDP is urging the Liberals to immediately create special immigration measures to allow the evacuation of extended family members of Canadians and permanent residents in Gaza.