NDP statement on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The NDP critic for foreign affairs and international development, MP Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona), made the following statement:

“On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, New Democrats recognize that there is still work to do to make Canada a safer and welcoming home for everyone.
Indigenous, Black, and other racialized Canadians face discrimination in their professional and personal lives on the daily. A recent report revealed that 80 per cent of Black Canadians experienced some form of racism in their workplace last year. This is not acceptable. We must stand up and speak out against hate wherever we see it, and work diligently to eliminate it from all spaces in our society.
Each and everyone has a responsibility to do their part to erase discrimination and hate in our communities.
Over the last six months, the crisis in the Middle East has had real terrifying impacts on the lives of many Canadians. The rise of antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia in our communities is extremely alarming. These problems are not new, but this crisis has made them even worse—we must always confront all forms of hate and without preconditions. And we must treat each other with compassion and recognize our common humanity.
On this day, we are also reminded of Canada’s legacy of colonialism and its ongoing impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. A recent Auditor General’s report states that very little has been done by the Liberals to fix the ongoing housing crisis in Indigenous communities. This neglect is shameful, and it must be reversed so that everyone has a safe, quality place to call home wherever they live in Canada.
On this day, we pledge to continue working to ensure that Canada addresses the systemic racism in our institutions, works towards true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and promotes a more inclusive society where everyone belongs and is safe.
New Democrats will continue to fight every day to build a fairer and more just country for all.”