NDP Statement on International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

Today I join all New Democrats to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Every day, too many of our neighbours and community members – people of colour, Indigenous peoples, refugees and immigrants – are harmed, harassed, and denied their rights and access to services just for the way they look or where they are from.

Recent anti-immigrant and anti-refugee sentiments are fueling the sparks of intolerance. Harmful political rhetoric is justifying violent acts against racialized people in Canada and around the world.

This isn't right, and we cannot stand by as it happens. We have an obligation to stand up and speak out with conviction to counter racism, hatred and intolerance.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity to recognize that the Canadian reality doesn’t always match the image of tolerance that we project onto the world.

Hate and discrimination spread like a fire, once they are allowed to grow. We need to come together as people who refuse to allow these sentiments to propagate in our homes.

The NDP stands in solidarity against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate in all its forms. We call racism and discrimination by their names, not explain them away with excuses. We believe that reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is an action policy, and that eliminating systemic discrimination means creating inclusive workplaces, communities, policies and laws.

On this day, and throughout the year, we must be tireless in working to put an end to all discriminatory practices.