DAWSON CREEK -- Support for a letter denouncing racism and anti-Indigenous rhetoric made during the provincial election is facing some pushback.

Several directors of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) expressed concerns over the letter's wording during a  regional board meeting on November 21st.

The letter, penned by Dale Bumstead, is addressed to Premier David Eby and Opposition Leader John Rustad.

It seeks 18 signatures from government bodies across the region to show a united front condemning hate. Specific examples of racism and anti-Indigenous sentiment were not named, leading some directors to question their support for it.

However, all agreed that racism and anti-Indigenous rhetoric has no place in their communities, agreeing with its sentiment.

“I am in favour of standing up and saying no to racism, but I am not in favour of supporting this letter as it is written,” said Director Lilia Hansen, Mayor of Fort St. John.

While Dawson Creek has already voted to support the letter, other mayors are calling for edits. The mayor of Pouce Coupe also stating the village won't support the letter at this time.

“We are sort of painting everybody with the same brush and really not focusing on what the issue is with the comments made by this candidate,” said Director Danielle Veach, Mayor of Pouce Coupe.

Area B and C directors Reid Graham and Brad Sperling also expressed concerns, calling for more specific examples to be named instead of broad context of the initial letter. In contrast, the mayors of Chetwynd and Hudson's Hope stated no issue in supporting the letter.

“For people that are saying, well, I've never seen it, you know, we could all be in a sandbox and be covered with sand,” said Allen Courtorellie, who referenced racist remarks made by  B.C. Conservative candidate Marina Sapozhnikov.

Leader John Rustad condemned the comments on October 29, and announced she would no longer be the candidate for the riding of Juan de Fuca-Malahat.

“In that letter, all it's asking for him to make comment, and he did. So, frankly, he already met the expectations of the letter, which is why I was not supportive of it,” said Veach.

After the discussion, it was decided that the directors would forward their comments to the chair, who would then hand them to Bumstead for clarification.

The full meeting is available on the PRRD's website.