Controversial Poster Removed From Civility Campaign
A municipal awareness campaign in Gatineau has removed one of its promotional posters following public concerns that the imagery reinforced harmful anti-Black stereotypes. The visual showed a Black woman wearing a dragon-like mask appearing to raise her arm against a Caucasian municipal worker.
The poster formed part of a series created to address rising incidents of workplace incivility toward city staff. While other posters in the series depicted white individuals wearing similar masks confronting city employees, critics noted this was the only representation featuring a Black person as the aggressor.
Community Members Voice Concerns
Papa Ladjiké Diouf, a mental health professional, encountered the poster at a local library with his young son. “He spontaneously asked why they depicted a Black woman in a dinosaur mask attempting to strike a white man,” Diouf stated publicly. “This perpetuates dangerous generational stereotypes about Black people being violent and Black women as angry or uncontrollable.”
The observation resonated with community advocates including César Ndema-Moussa of Roots and Culture Canada and Charles Makaza from the Black Community Council of Gatineau, who echoed concerns about racial representation in the campaign.
Municipal Response and Campaign Context
City officials clarified that the poster series launched in September aimed to address increasing reports of disrespectful behavior toward municipal staff, particularly transit employees. Regarding the controversial imagery, authorities confirmed its immediate removal from all platforms.
“While no discriminatory message was intended, we acknowledge the potential for misinterpretation,” stated city representatives. “In alignment with our commitment to inclusion and respect, we’ve opted to withdraw this image to prevent any perceptions contradicting our organizational values.”
The campaign’s remaining posters will continue to promote respectful interactions between residents and municipal workers throughout Gatineau’s public facilities and transit system.
