BRAMPTON – The City of Brampton has taken a bold step to confront rising hate, polarization, and extremism by hosting a two-day summit in partnership with the international Strong Cities Network. The initiative brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including Brampton City Council, Peel Regional Police, federal representatives, and local community advocates for focused conversations on building safer and more united communities.
The summit, endorsed by Mayor Patrick Brown, reflects Brampton’s growing commitment to creating an inclusive city where every resident feels safe, valued, and heard. In a statement shared online, Brown emphasized that addressing hate and extremism “starts with all of us,” calling on neighbours, educators, youth, faith groups, and local organizations to play a role in shaping a resilient and welcoming Brampton.
Hate, polarization and extremism have no place in our communities and the City of Brampton is taking steps to confront them.
Over two days, the City of Brampton, in partnership with @Strong_Cities, brought together City Council, @PeelPolice, federal leaders and local advocates… pic.twitter.com/MBw6MxHxfj
— City of Brampton (@CityBrampton) June 11, 2025
“The challenges are real. From online harassment to targeted hate and deepening division, the impacts are felt in every corner of our country,” the statement read. “The solution doesn’t rest with one group or one level of government. It starts with all of us.”
The summit focused on identifying shared strategies to reduce community division, support victims of hate, and prevent radicalization at the local level. Sessions explored the root causes of extremism and how cities can build community resilience through education, youth engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
Founded in 2015, the Strong Cities Network is a global initiative that supports cities and municipalities in their efforts to combat extremism and build social cohesion. Brampton’s participation positions the city among a growing list of municipalities worldwide taking proactive, locally driven steps to address hate-fueled violence and discrimination.
Community leaders praised the event as a turning point in Brampton’s civic dialogue.
City officials say this summit is “just the beginning” and more local engagement and policy initiatives will follow. In the coming months, Brampton plans to develop an action plan informed by community feedback and aligned with best practices shared through the Strong Cities partnership.
As hate-related incidents rise across Canada, Brampton’s response signals that local governments are ready to lead — not just in policing, but in prevention, education, and healing.
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