This council meeting debated the merits of the organization. SCN, established in 2015, is a global coalition of municipalities committed to countering hate, extremism, and polarization through local strategies and international collaboration. More details about the organization can be found on its website at www.strongcitiesnetwork.org.

Deni Loubert – Local Journalism Initiative

The discussion began with Councillor Daniel Fontaine expressing concerns about the urgency of joining. Fontaine argued that the city should first conduct a detailed analysis of SCN’s benefits and potential costs. “We need to ensure proper investigation procedures before committing to an international initiative,” Fontaine stated.

In contrast, Councillor Nadine Nakagawa championed immediate membership, emphasizing the network’s ability to provide valuable resources and connections. “Delaying our participation means delaying our ability to address pressing issues like hate crimes and community division,” Nakagawa countered.

The council ultimately sided with Nakagawa’s perspective, voting 5-2 in favor of joining.

In an interview after the decision, Nakagawa shared her vision for New Westminster’s involvement in SCN. “Joining this network places us on the front lines of addressing extremism locally while learning from global leaders. SCN’s expertise can help us create tailored strategies to foster inclusivity and resilience,” she said. Nakagawa also highlighted that although New Westminster often is a leader in many issues, there is a strength in working with others who have demonstrated leadership on issues of hate and extremism, particularly in a time of rising global polarization.

New Westminster becomes the fourth municipality in British Columbia to join SCN, aligning with a growing commitment among cities to confront complex social challenges collaboratively.