50th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Today is the 50th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which takes its' beginnings from Sharpeville, South Africa when local police killed 60 peaceful protestors who take issue with the-then apartheid laws of South Africa. Read more here

BC Government Statement:

In recognition of this upcoming international awareness day, the Government of British Columbia is proud to reaffirm our commitment to a discrimination-free B.C. by also proclaiming March 21, 2016, as the Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in B.C.

“As B.C.’s Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, it is my honour to celebrate B.C.’s diversity and the advantages of our multicultural society. Acts of racism and discrimination erode the fabric of our multicultural society. This is why the B.C. government continually seeks new ways to combat racial discrimination throughout our province.

“An average of $1.7 million is invested annually in programs that equip British Columbians with the tools to address racism in their communities. This includes funding programs such as Safe Harbour, developing provincewide networks such as the Organizing Against Racism and Hate network and providing educational programs to help the next generation challenge racism.

“As the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, British Columbia is proof that vibrant, thriving communities depend on the participation of all citizens. It took many hands from various cultures to build this province, and it is these same hands that must help us hold B.C. to the highest standards of respect, harmony and inclusion.”.  View the BC Government Proclamation here

Canadian Government Statement:

“Today, I join Canadians – and people around the world – to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“As we approach Canada’s 150th birthday, we can look over our past and see how each successive generation of Canadians has fought to expand liberty to their fellow citizens who had been denied it.

“We have had deeply regrettable moments. But the history of Canada is one in which we constantly challenge ourselves, and each other, one in which we fight racism and discrimination in order to protect equality and justice.

“We still have a lot of work to do. Far too many people around the world continue to be denied their most basic human rights simply because of the colour of their skin, their faith, or their ethnic background.

“On this day, I urge all Canadians to stand against racism and all forms of discrimination whenever and wherever they occur. Diversity is at the very heart of Canada. It is who we are and what we believe in.”