Background of the Tragedy
It has been nearly three years since Toronto teacher and principal Richard Bilkszto took his own life after enduring harassment and public humiliation for defending Canada during a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professional development session. The circumstances surrounding his suicide on July 13, 2023, sparked widespread outrage and forced media scrutiny of the DEI decolonizing agenda.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
In April 2021, during a DEI session led by Kiki Ojo-Thompson of the Kojo Institute, Bilkszto challenged Ojo-Thompson's assertion that "Canada is a bastion of white supremacy and colonialism" and that "the racism we experience is far worse here than there (the United States)." According to an audio transcript, Bilkszto argued that Canada, based on facts and his teaching experience on both sides of the border, is "a more just society" than the U.S. and that teaching otherwise would be an "incredible disservice" to learners.
Aftermath and Professional Consequences
Following his remarks, Bilkszto was reportedly shunned by his superiors and his contract with the board was not renewed. Ojo-Thompson further shamed his comments in a subsequent session. Bilkszto went on workers' compensation for stress caused by the backlash. He died by suicide on July 13, 2023, after a long-drawn-out litigation process.
Broader Context of Canadian Nationalism
Bilkszto's final publicly uttered words praised Canada, and his case has been cited as a catalyst for a recent surge in Canadian nationalism, particularly in the wake of U.S. annexationist threats and Prime Minister Mark Carney's assertion that Canada can serve as a "beacon to the world." Columnist Robert Smol argues that Bilkszto carried the torch of Canadian nationalism when the woke, decolonizing, anti-Canadian ideological fad was at its height in government, public education, and academia.
Ojo-Thompson's Career After the Incident
Despite her role in the events, Ojo-Thompson has continued her career without significant professional repercussions. According to her LinkedIn profile, she left the Kojo Institute and worked as Partner, Human Capital at Deloitte from September 2024 to January 2026, and more recently as an Executive Advisor with MJY Advisory. Smol notes the irony that she continues to thrive professionally while Bilkszto's life was cut short.
Call to Remember Bilkszto's Stand
Smol concludes that Canada's heroes are not only those in uniform but also individuals like Bilkszto, who stood up for the country's values against powerful ideological pressures. He urges that Bilkszto's courage be remembered on occasions like Canada Day, as a testament to the vision of Canada's founders, including Sir John A. Macdonald, who peacefully created a better vision for North America.
