Statement by Minister Rodriguez on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

On March 21, people in Canada and around the world mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

OTTAWA, March 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Today we remember our responsibility to stand up against racism and other forms of discrimination as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Canada's diversity is our collective strength.

Recent events in Canada and abroad have shown that no community is immune to the effects of hateful rhetoric. Racism and discrimination create fear, divide, and diminish us all. It continues to be a reality for many people in our country. Indigenous people, Black Canadians, racialized individuals and religious minorities continue to be a target of hate crimes.

Our government is committed to promoting a Canada where every person is able to fully and equally participate in our country's economic, cultural, social and political life. Last year, our government committed $23 million to strengthen diverse communities and support anti-racism initiatives.

Through Budget 2019, we will invest an additional $45 million in funding to support the creation of a new Anti-Racism Strategy. At the core of this strategy will be an Anti-Racism Secretariat that will work across government to identify opportunities, coordinate activities and engage with our diverse communities.

By celebrating our diversity and building on this collective strength, we can keep moving our country forward to embrace the ideals of inclusion and mutual understanding. I encourage all Canadians to work together toward a more positive and inclusive future for our communities, our country and our world. We must continue to fight racism, and together we will.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage