The owner of a Canadian Tire store in Regina has apologized to an Indigenous man over an act of racism displayed in his store two years and is pledging to better train employees.
Kamoa Cappo and store owner Francois Brien appeared Wednesday to discuss the settlement, which includes the development of a store-wide racism and cultural awareness educational policy for employees.
“The racism is highlighted and identified. Mistakes were made and people learn from their mistakes and we go on from there,” Cappo said.
On July 26, 2017 Kamoa Cappo was asked to leave a Regina Canadian Tire after being accused of theft. Cappo asserts he was being targeted because he is Indigenous. Cappo was about to buy a chainsaw when decided not to, thinking there was a problem with it. He left the chainsaw with customer service and that’s when Cappo claims he was assaulted by a store manager.
“My heart is into fighting against racism. If you start fighting against racism watch how a lot for friends turn away from you, against you,” Cappo stated. “I think you need leaders in regards to this, and here is an opportunity for Canadian Tire to show leadership. And that’s what I feel really good about in this whole thing is that a large corporation and a business leader in Regina has taken ownership and is going to do something.”
The store will develop training designed to train its employees to properly serve customers of all backgrounds, with a specific focus on cultural competency training to strengthen relationships with Indigenous customers.
That policy is expected to be ready for implementation this fall.
Cappo says he will work Brien in development of that policy.
As part of the confidential settlement, Cappo received undisclosed financial compensation.
(Photo: Kamoa Cappo left, Sask. Human Rights Chief Commissioner David Arnot center and Canadian Tire store owner Francois Brien right. By Dan Jones.)