Racial tension and calls for a possible boycott maybe in the works after an area man says he was fired from a Parkdale pizzeria after seeking an apology for an alleged racist slur.

Tyler Robert Daniel says he began working at Amico’s Pizza Ristorante, on Queen St. W., on June 7 when a man, who was a friend of the owner, made a number of racial slurs in regards to a Black Lives Matter protest in the U.S. that was being aired on TV.

The insulting comments to paraphrase had do with shooting the N-word protestors.

“I was deeply offended,” Daniel wrote. “My brother was attending the protests in California at the time.”

He sought, but did not receive until days later, an apology from the owner whose friend had made the racist threats against Black protestors.

When he confronted the owner, Daniel allege he was told he was to ‘aggressive’ and was paid for his shift and told he ‘won’t be needed the next day.”

He returned to work on June 10 and was told by the boss that “he wasn’t comfortable with me working there anymore.”

“I told you that all I wanted was an apology from your friend and my job,” Daniel wrote. “At this point I am seeking legal action and any recourse that is available to me.”

He posted a letter to document the event on social media, where it has been well-read.

The owner of the Amico’s in an apology later on social media says he did not respond to the allegations as “quickly or thoroughly as I should have given the appalling racist situation.”

“I do not and have never tolerated racist behaviour,” the owner wrote. “I sincerely apologize for the hurt I have cause Tyler and our community due to my inaction.”

He says “I should have acknowledged the situation in a better way.”

The owner promises to ensure “that no further incidents of racist behaviour occur in our establishment.”

But the apology was too late for many Parkdale residents, some who wanted to boycott the eatery.

“Anyway boycott,” Robin Klyne wrote.

“This is beyond disgusting behaviour and they will not see a nickel from me or any of my friends in the neighbourhood,” promised Michelle Cerqua, adding she was angry Daniels had to go through the experience.

Nasser Khan noted the owner posted a belated apology but did not mention or apologize for firing Daniel.

Volunteers of the cash-strapped Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101 are busy these days making face masks to help save lives and raise funds for their programs.

Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Brown’s Line, has released a great selection of styles and colours of cotton masks which are for sale on their website. The masks cost $10 each and can be delivered to your door.

Local president Jeff Ankenmann says 101, like most Branches, have lost all their revenue this year from hall rentals and events which were cancelled due to the COVID-19.

Most of the Legion branches are shut and programs cancelled.

“We had to do something to raise funds and get back on our feet,” Ankenmann says. “Now we have about six volunteers sewing from their homes to make all the masks.”

He says the masks will be available on what would normally be their biggest day for generating funds, which is Canada Day on July 1.  This year though all programming for Canada Day is cancelled or scaled back due to the pandemic.

Ankenmann says a large selection of pre-packaged masks will be available for sale in a “drive-through” service in the parking lot of the legion on July 1.

“There will be tables set up with all the well-made, safe cotton masks,” he says. “They are available in various colours and sizes that are made to order.”

The Branch hopes to raise about $5,000 from the sale of the masks to continue with some of their much-needed programs.

The legion has sold more than 100 of the facial coverings and are producing hundreds more for sale on Canada Day.

You can also order your mask by visiting their website at www.legion101.com or by email at legion101@rogers.com or calling Jeff at 647-523-8555.

 

June is National Indigenous History Month, which is a time to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

This month provides us an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities across the land.

June 21 is celebrated as National Indigenous Peoples Day, which gives all Canadians a chance to celebrate with Indigenous Peoples and learn some of their customs or history.

National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada.

It’s important to keep in mind that First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples each have their own unique histories. And within each group, there are distinct histories.

The federal government this year have postponed ceremonies to mark the events due to COVID-19 and have launched virtual or online Indigenous stories, traditions and culture to keep us connected.

It is important for Canadians to know Indigenous history to prevent another tragic situation like the one in which Indigenous Peoples were physically from their lands onto reserves or settlements.

It is estimated that 150,000 Indigenous children were forced into the residential schools that operated from the late 1800s until the last one closed in 1996.

In addition to removing them from their lands, everything that made them who they were, like their distinct cultural practices, languages or spirituality, was outlawed, prohibited or erased.

While at the schools the children were taught or forced to accept that they, their families and cultures were inferior to European culture and lifestyle. The children learned to be ashamed of their identity. It has been a struggle for many individuals and communities ever since to relearn, regain, and revitalize what was stripped away from them.

For more visit www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca