Graphic Anti-choice Flyers in Welland: What to know and What to do About it.
What’s happening?
Flyers containing anti-choice materials and graphic imagery have been handed out around the Niagara region for the last 12 years with no consequence. Most recently, the East Main and West Main areas of Welland have been targeted, with the rest of Welland to follow in the coming months.
Some words from folks in the area (shared with permission):
“Really dislike that these people are bold enough to go door to door leaving graphic material right at a time when children would be coming home from school.”
“As someone who has suffered a stillbirth, seeing these images on the pamphlets and protest signs are extremely triggering.”
“This is the 2nd time I received this flyer and it is so upsetting as someone who’s gone through multiple miscarriages and TFMR [termination for medical reasons], I’m just sick over it and triggered by these images.”
This has happened before! See our blog posts about a similar situation in St. Catharines:
Who is doing this?
Youth interns with the Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform (CCBR) – a national anti-abortion advocacy organization based in Calgary, Alberta – distribute anti-abortion leaflets throughout Niagara on a weekly basis that contain graphic imagery and misinformation about abortion. The group of interns in Niagara call themselves “Niagara Against Abortion” (NAA).
The flyers are produced by CCBR, but it is Niagara Against Abortion that is responsible for distributing the flyers locally as well as holding large graphic signs on street corners. They have been distributing these graphic leaflets in Niagara for at least the last 12 years, rotating cities. In return, they get internship credits.
We expect them to target Welland for the upcoming months.
For more information on NAA and other anti-choice organizations in the area, visit our website: https://niagarareproductivejustice.com/monitoring-anti-choicers/anti-choice-orgs/
What can you do?
NRJ tried to contact the city in November 2025 to bring forward the issue of graphic anti-abortion signage. We argued that these graphic anti-abortion signs and flyers violate section 4.2.1 (m) of the City of Welland’s Sign By-law.
However, the reply was that while they understand our concern about the graphic nature of the images and the impact they may have on the public, they advised that there is currently no provision within the City of Welland’s Sign By-law that specifically prohibits these types of signs. They shared that these types of displays are generally protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of expression, even when the content may be disturbing or controversial to some members of the public.
Here is where you come in…
We encourage you to contact your city councilor and let them know that these flyers and graphic signs concern you, and call on them to take action! Below are some examples of outreach but we recommend you personalize it with details about your specific experience.
“Hi Councillor [______], I’m writing to let you know that I received an anonymous graphic flyer [in my mailbox, at my doorstep, etc] on [date]. This flyer was extremely graphic in nature and made me feel [upset, angry, or provide a more specific testimonial about your experiences]. The anonymous distribution of these flyers without the recipient’s consent is unacceptable and I ask that you please do something about it. Thank you, [your name]”
“I’m writing because graphic anti-abortion pamphlets have been distributed in my community several times over the past few months. These materials contain disturbing images and are being delivered to homes without warning. I find this distressing and inappropriate for unsolicited distribution in a residential community. I believe it is time for city councillors to step in and stop the distribution of graphic materials like these.”
If you aren’t sure who or how to contact, we have built a contact list for you to use:
| Role | First Name | Last Name | IG | Email Address | City | Phone | DistrictID |
| Mayor | Frank | Campion | frank.campion@welland.ca | Welland | 905-735-1700 ext. 2101 | ||
| Councillor | David | McLeod | david.mcleod@welland.ca | Welland | 905-736-0465 | Ward 2 | |
| Councillor | Leo | Van Vliet | leo.vanvliet@welland.ca | Welland | 289-821-5037 | Ward 2 | |
| Councillor | Bonnie | Fokkens | @bonniefokkens | bonnie.fokkens@welland.ca | Welland | 905-736-0469 | Ward 6 |
| Councillor | Jamie | Lee | @jamieleedc | jamie.lee@welland.ca | Welland | 905-414-2541 | Ward 6 |
| Councillor | John | Chiocchio | john.chiocchio@welland.ca | Welland | 905-736-0240 | Ward 3 | |
| Councillor | Sharmila | Setaram | @sharmilasetaram_ward3 | sharmila.setaram@welland.ca | Welland | 905-414-2539 | Ward 3 |
| Councillor | Claudette | Richard | @claudette_richard | claudette.richard@welland.ca | Welland | 905-736-1911 | Ward 5 |
| Councillor | Graham | Speck | @grahamspeck | graham.speck@welland.ca | Welland | 905-714-6034 | Ward 5 |
| Councillor | Bryan | Green | bryan.green@welland.ca | Welland | 905-736-3621 | Ward 4 | |
| Councillor | Tony | DiMarco | tony.dimarco@welland.ca | Welland | 905-734-6495 | Ward 4 | |
| Councillor | Adam | Moote | @adammoote | adam.moote@welland.ca | Welland | 905-736-3620 | Ward 1 |
| Councillor | Mary Ann | Grimaldi | @grimaldimarianne23 | maryann.grimaldi@welland.ca | Welland | 905-788-3498 | Ward 1 |