:: Office of PM Trudeau

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Ottawa, Ontario
21 March 2016

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

“Today, I join Canadians – and people around the world – to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“As we approach Canada’s 150th birthday, we can look over our past and see how each successive generation of Canadians has fought to expand liberty to their fellow citizens who had been denied it.

“We have had deeply regrettable moments. But the history of Canada is one in which we constantly challenge ourselves, and each other, one in which we fight racism and discrimination in order to protect equality and justice.

“We still have a lot of work to do. Far too many people around the world continue to be denied their most basic human rights simply because of the colour of their skin, their faith, or their ethnic background.

“On this day, I urge all Canadians to stand against racism and all forms of discrimination whenever and wherever they occur. Diversity is at the very heart of Canada. It is who we are and what we believe in.”