‘Speak with your pocketbook’: Kitchener mayor weighs in on Centre in the Square event featuring controversial figure

Booked as a third-party event through Live Nation, a Monday event announcement by Kitchener's Centre in the Square continues to draw criticism from local residents on social media, with some accusing the venue of “platforming hate”, while others have indicated they'll reconsider their support for the venue should the event go forward. 

Set for May 25, that event is just one of several stops planned on a book tour for best-selling author, pod-caster and clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, described in the Live Nation event posting as a lecturer who has both transformed the “modern understanding of personality”, and “revolutionized the psychology of religion.”

Peterson has turned heads since leaving his position as a tenured professor at the University of Toronto, where he condemned the use of gender-neutral pronouns and intentionally mis-gendered trans students, later publicly opposing transgender human rights legislation. 

Berry Vrbanovic is the mayor of Kitchener, and a member of the Board of Directors at the Centre in the Square, and noted that many in the community are “aware of Mr. Peterson” and may find his views “inappropriate and offensive.” Speaking with CityNews 570, Vrbanovic said the views expressed by Peterson do not reflect the values or priorities of the City of Kitchener – especially in regards to equity and inclusion. 

Indicating that he was not familiar with the venue's rental for Peterson's event prior to being approached by CityNews on Monday, Vrbanovic clarified that the Centre operates as an “arms length organization” from the City of Kitchener – meaning the city has no insight into its “day-to-day programming”. Vrbanovic further emphasized that the board of directors – upon which three other members of Kitchener council serve – also has no oversight into the organization's day-to-day programming, with paid staff at Centre in the Square managing operations. 

In a statement sent to CityNews, Centre in the Square stated that it makes its venue available to rent under “standard terms”, meaning that so long as the content of a show or program doesn't violate the Ontario Human Rights Code or involve criminal activity, it can go forward. Furthermore, the organization said permitting rental to a show doesn't endorse it's content. 

Vrbanovic also noted that the Centre is obliged to proceed with the rental, though he offered his own clear message – as he said the event is one he would not attend – while advising residents to show their disapproval as well.

“… my advice to residents, quite frankly, is speak with your pocketbook and don't choose to purchase tickets to this show, and don't attend it.” said Vrbanovic. “That's the strongest message that could be sent to this particular speaker, and to their promoter.”

Acknowledging the frustration of community members voiced on social media, Vrbanovic said that he's concerned to hear of individuals in the community that feel harmed, while speaking to the City of Kitchener's continuing work on equity, diversity and inclusion to build a community that's “safe for everyone, and where everyone can feel that they can thrive in.”

“In doing so, we also need to recognize that there are certain rights that exist in terms of freedom of expression; and as long as a performance that's coming to the Centre doesn't violate the Ontario Human Rights Code or engages in criminal activity, you really can't stop it from coming to a public venue.”

Vrbanovic likened the Peterson event to a similar controversial booking at Centre in the Square in 2015 – which saw Comedian Bill Cosby host a stand-up show amid growing outcry over his sexual assault allegations. That event was countered by a volunteer-run initiative, “Voices Carry”, which saw thousands raised for our region's sexual assault support centre. 

“I thought it was a very powerful way to not only speak our against Mr. Cosby and all of … what at the time were allegations and have since been proven to be true (…) and more importantly to actually put your energy and dollars into something productive in the community,” said Vrbanovic. “I think the kind of things that we saw happen last time (…) would be a wonderful thing to see happen again.”

“I would certainly work with any community partners that want to reach out to our office and help facilitate seeing something like that come together again.”

In their statement, a Centre in the Square spokesperson said the organization recognizes that some may find Peterson's views offensive, while acknowledging “as is often the case (…) a range of opinions within our community.” The organization also noted that they appreciate when community members take time to share their feedback. 

. @LiveNationON presents @jordanbpeterson – Beyond Order tour on May 25. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10AM. pic.twitter.com/9rDZRQDOvq

— Centre In The Square (@Centre_Square) February 7, 2022