The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today issued the following statement:
“The Government of Canada is committed to the fight against racism and systemic racial discrimination. We recognize that racism is pervasive and a lived reality for many people in this country, including Indigenous peoples and Black and Asian Canadians and many racialized communities. We know that racial discrimination perpetuates inequality, and that its harmful impacts are exacerbated for those with multiple and intersecting identities, such as those based upon religion, disability or gender identity.
“The Government of Canada acknowledges harmful racism and intolerance people experience today, as well as the ongoing legacy of systemic racism, discrimination, and colonialism in Canada. We are committed to addressing racism and to reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous peoples. We also acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened inequalities xenophobic rhetoric and scapegoating. We have seen a significant increase in hate crimes against Asian Canadians, which cannot be tolerated. To make inclusion a reality, we must speak up and stand in solidarity with victims of racism and hate.
Read full statement here