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March 21st, 2017

NDP Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Tom Mulcair, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, made the following statement:

“On March 21, 1960, police in South Africa killed 69 people who were peacefully demonstrating against the apartheid “pass laws”.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established on March 21st with the recognition that the international community has a responsibility to come together to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

Progress has been made, but increasingly racist political rhetoric and policies remind us that we must be vigilant and fight racism in all its forms. Hate crimes and racially motivated violence are on the rise, and Canada is not immune.

The devastating terrorist attack perpetrated against the Muslim community in Quebec City was one of the worst mass shootings in our history. Canadians were gunned down as they gathered in their place of worship, leaving six dead and nineteen wounded.

Racial profiling of minorities continues on our streets, systemic discrimination against First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples continues across Canada, and people are being discriminated against at our border by Trump’s prejudiced immigration and travel ban.

There is no place in Canada for hatred or discrimination of any kind. New Democrats will continue to stand up to the forces of hatred, bigotry and those who peddle the politics of fear and division.

Canada is a country of diversity, peace and inclusion. Let’s keep it that way.”