“DIVERSITY IS A FACT, INCLUSION IS A CHOICE”

Since 2015, the government of Canada has been strongly committed to diversity and inclusion. Despite the progress made, racism remains an unacceptable reality for far too many people in Canada.

To strengthen federal leadership against racism and discrimination, Kamal Khera, minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, unveiled Canada’s new anti-racism strategy.

This strategy is part of the government of Canada’s plan to build a better, fairer and more inclusive country for every generation of Canadians, by ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential. It aims to deliver concrete and measurable outcomes in key priority areas. These include:

• Promoting economic, social and cultural empowerment.

• Advancing racial equity in immigration, health and housing systems.

• Driving justice, law enforcement, intelligence and public safety systems reform.

• Using international engagement to inform advancement on racial equity and inclusion at home.

Racism and discrimination continue to be barriers to inclusion for Indigenous peoples and Black, racialized and religious minority communities, preventing them from fully participating in Canadian society and the economy, while undermining shared values.

The new anti-racism strategy is a $110 million investment aimed at driving action in employment, justice and law enforcement, housing, healthcare and immigration systems. It encompasses over 70 federal initiatives designed to ensure federal policies, programs and services reflect the Canada it serves, while also working in partnership with communities by investing over $70 million in local initiatives across the country.

This strategy builds on the endorsement of a second United Nations (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent, and historic investments totalling up to $872 million within communities through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund and other initiatives focused on Black communities.

“Since the launch of Canada’s last anti-racism strategy, the world has experienced several tragically impactful events, resulting in devastating consequences, including right here in Canada,” said Khera. “While diversity is a fact in Canada, inclusion is a choice. Through this new anti-racism strategy, our government is taking decisive action to strengthen federal coordination in combating racism within our institutions and to support key initiatives undertaken by local community organizations across the country. In doing so, we are not just standing up against racism; we are standing up for all individuals who live in Canada.

“This strategy represents a roadmap for a brighter tomorrow, starting today, for all of us to be part of the solution.”

“Canada’s anti-racism strategy has been developed in concert with racialized communities,” said Sameer Zuberi, parliamentary secretary to the minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities. “This transformative strategy will empower Canadians long impacted by systemic racism and discrimination. It was developed through extensive consultations. It’s an evergreen strategy. It will continue to adapt to the needs of racialized Canadians.”