The disclaimer was spotted on a vehicle with American plates in Kamloops, Sept. 12.
Image Credit: Monique Anderson
September 15, 2020 - 6:30 AM
An American resident wants Canadians to know exactly why they're visiting Kamloops during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely hoping to avoid confrontation given the recent history of British Columbians being rude and even destructive to vehicles belonging to visitors from outside the province.
This weekend, a vehicle with U.S. plates was spotted in downtown Kamloops with a note posted in the window addressed to "our Canadian Friends."
Monique Anderson, a Kamloops resident who spotted the sign, is disappointed that it had to be posted at all.
"I felt sad that people feel unsafe because of what their license plate says," she said. "I get that people are afraid and frustrated but no one ever knows the whole story."
The message explains the vehicle's American owners have traveled to Kamloops to care for immediate family. It also assures they have isolated for the required 14 days, and are following all the provincial health guidelines.
Last week, a truck with Texas licence plates on Vancouver island was spray painted with 'Pro Trump' tags, and had its windshield smashed.
The owner of the vehicle was in B.C. helping family, according to his son, who took to Twitter to draw attention to the incident.
"He has been here for almost three months visiting family and helping us out. My wife and I just had a baby - his first grandchild and we just moved. He did his two-week quarantine. He is Canadian and can’t even vote for or against Trump," Jonathan Vidalin tweeted Sept. 10.
In July, a UBC Okanagan student stuck a disclaimer on the back of his truck to explain his Washington State licence plate to avoid targeted vandalism.
READ MORE: 'GO HOME!': UBCO student explains disclaimer on truck with Washington licence plate
Albertan residents have been encountering the same discrimination in B.C. In August, a radio host tweeted his frustrations at Premier John Horgan after his window was smashed while staying in Kamloops.
Horgan had previously suggested those with out of province plates should take the bus or ride a bicycle to avoid being harassed.
Anderson said it's unfortunate that the behaviour of some individuals reflects badly on all Canadians.
"I’m sad that people have lost their compassion," she said. "Let’s start being more like Canadians. The people that apologize for nothing, the people that we are known to be."
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