No one should ever have to tolerate insults or disrespect, especially not from the very representatives elected to support and act in our community's interest. Regrettably, Port Coquitlam BC, Council Members Dean Washington and Darrell Penner have shown a grave lack of empathy and understanding towards the homeless individuals in our community.

Council Member Dean Washington, debasing the already struggling homeless individuals, said, "So filthy, wondering around, stoned out of his mind." Most egregiously, he went on to say, "I don’t use the word 'homeless.' I would use the term ‘People that don’t want to work.'" Council Member Darrell Penner also contributed to this narrative by implying that the existence of homeless shelters like 3030 Gordon causes problems, rather than trying to solve them.

Not only do these comments reek of an utter lack of empathy, but they also grossly misrepresent the reasons for homelessness. According to End Homelessness, a significant contributing factor to homelessness is a lack of affordable housing—with approximately 7 million more households in need for than available. It's not about not wanting to work—often, the problem is a lack of accessible resources.

These insensitive remarks from our representatives undermine the struggle of our fellow community members. Their positions of power should not be used as platforms for denigration but as tools for effective solutions and creating compassionate communities.

It's for these reasons and in the spirit of upholding respect and dignity for all our community members, we demand the immediate resignation of Council Members Dean Washington and Darrell Penner. Let's raise our voices against such disdain. Your signature can make a difference. Sign this petition to stand with us, because no one deserves to be disrespected.