While the location hasn’t been publicly released, there is a lot of talk on social media about a hate-based group holding an event in the North Bay, Ont., area this weekend. Dubbed ‘Bigotfest,’ the event is linked to online groups promoting racism and spreading misinformation about minorities. In a news release, police in the city said they are aware of “a possible gathering involving individuals whose views have raised community concerns.” While the right to freedom of expression is covered under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “police remain impartial and are committed to protecting these rights while ensuring the safety and security of everyone in our community,” the release said. ‘Offensive or unpopular and behaviour’ “The role of police is to facilitate safe and lawful gatherings, regardless of viewpoint, while maintaining public order and protecting the community. There is an important distinction between expression that may be offensive or unpopular and behaviour that constitutes a criminal offence.” Police said they draw the line at anyone who makes “threats, violence, hate-motivated offences, or any other criminal behaviour.” “Any suspected criminal activity will be thoroughly investigated and may result in arrests and charges,” police said. “Actions or communications that meet the threshold of a criminal offence, including the promotion of violence against an identifiable group, will be addressed by police.” And in a statement, North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico said if the event takes place, it won’t be on city property. “At this time, the city has no confirmation of a specific location or whether it is a real event,” Chirico said. “Any activity intended to promote racism, hate or discrimination has no place in North Bay. Our community values respect, inclusion and the right of everyone to feel safe and welcome.” B’nai Brith Canada released a statement on the event, saying that it’s supposed to take place “in a rural area of the province.” “It is billed as a ‘family friendly’ event and ‘trade show’ open to Canadians of all ages,” the statement said. “In fact, B’nai Brith has identified vendors who appear to be selling merchandise containing language such as ‘Racism Could Save Your Life’ and ‘I wish I was speaking German.’” Incitement of hatred Other hateful messages are aimed at the East Indian community, B’nai Brith said. “The organizers of Bigotfest include individuals associated with Diagolon, a white nationalist group, and Second Sons Canada,” the statement said. “These white nationalist groups are responsible for the incitement of hatred against visible minorities, immigrants, and faith-based communities, most notably in online forums and through physical demonstrations,” B’nai Brith wrote in an open letter to Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. B’nai Brith stated it was contacting elected officials because the “monetization of hate” is becoming a growing problem in Canada and hatemongers may intend to profit in some way from Bigotfest by selling hate propaganda. “Celebrating racism and yearning for Nazi rule is abhorrent and un-Canadian,” Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy, said in the statement. Rising number of racist incidents “We are urging local officials to monitor this event and take measures to prevent it from causing harm to the community’s safety, vitality, and social fabric.” CTV News emailed the contact listed on a post advertising the event. The response we received said the event was real but didn’t disclose the location of the event. For its part, B’nai Brith Canada said it has documented a rising number of racist activities in Canada. “In its Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents in Canada for the year 2025, B’nai Brith Canada documented a surge in neo-Nazi and white supremacist activity,” the group said. “In a special report this week, B’nai Brith disclosed that it had tracked 27 violent incidents in Canada since Jan. 1, 2026.” Should the event take place, North Bay police are urging residents to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid confrontations and report “concerning, suspicious, or criminal behaviour to police.”
