B’nai Brith Canada Commends the Ontario Camps Association for Reaffirming Safety, Inclusion and Canadian values

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February 19, 2026

TORONTO – B’nai Brith Canada applauds the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) for its leadership in reaffirming the importance of safe, welcoming and inclusive camp environments for all children and families.

“Canadian individuals, workplaces and institutions must know they are not alone when they stand up against hatred and intimidation,” said Simon Wolle, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada. “The OCA has demonstrated principled leadership by remaining focused on its core mandate: ensuring that camps across Ontario uphold the highest standards of safety, respect and inclusion.”

B’nai Brith Canada, a national human rights and advocacy organization with more than 150 years of experience combating antisemitism and discrimination, was engaged to provide guidance and support to help ensure that Ontario’s camp community continues to operate free from harassment, intimidation and attempts to undermine its integrity.

Accreditation bodies such as the OCA play a vital role in safeguarding the wellbeing of campers by maintaining clear standards for governance, safety and program quality. Their work is essential to preserving public confidence in the camp sector and to ensuring that children can participate in enriching summer experiences in a secure and respectful environment.

Recent efforts by radical fringe groups to target Jewish-affiliated camps and their supporters represent a concerning attempt to cast unfounded suspicions on members of Canada’s diverse civil society. Such tactics run counter to longstanding Canadian principles of pluralism, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

“Children’s camps must remain spaces where young people can learn, grow and build friendships in an atmosphere free from fear or division,” Wolle said. “B’nai Brith Canada will continue working with partners across the country to support institutions that uphold the values of inclusion, dignity and safety for all.”

B’nai Brith Canada will continue to stand with Canadians of all backgrounds in defense of these shared values and in support of organizations that foster welcoming and respectful communities.