A veteran Brampton regional councillor has apologized for an email he wrote that says newcomers to Canada should learn the values of white people.

“I have, with the wisdom that comes with hindsight and sombre reflection, realized that I owe an apology for a confusing email exchange with a constituent,” said John Sprovieri during Wednesday’s council meeting. Sprovieri faces disciplinary action from the city’s integrity commissioner for a written exchange with a resident last month that contained derogatory and racially charged language.

Responding to an email headed with the subject line “Why are WHITE PEOPLE still planning Brampton’s future? Sprovieri stated that white people of Canada had created “a great system where everyone is welcome and can live peacefully together.”

He went on to say that he hopes “newcomers will learn the values of the white people, so that Brampton and Canada will continue to be a favourite destination for people who want a better and peaceful lifestyle.”

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His comments garnered widespread media attention and ignited outrage in the community and on social media. They also drew criticism from council colleagues, including Mayor Linda Jeffrey, who urged Sprovieri to seek diversity training.

On Wednesday, Sprovieri, who has been on council during a period of unprecedented growth in this city, and who has throughout his 30-year career supported various cultural groups in the city, including the Khalsa Community School, a private Sikh school in Brampton, apologized for his comments.

He told councillors that he chose his words poorly. His aim was to defend against hateful comments made by a constituent over a number of months, and was not intended to “marginalize or ignore the contributions of people of all origins.”

“I understand that Canadian values, morals and ideals, are not based on colour, and I recognize it was unfair to phrase my comments in that manner.”

“This oversight was not a deliberate slight. I reacted too quickly, and failed to appreciate how my words would be interpreted outside of the context in which they were written.”

“I hope that in issuing this apology, we can all move forward, and work together for to the betterment of all citizens, to build a free, peaceful, democratic, and prosperous city.”