March 21st 2008

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, New Democrats join with the multitudes around the globe in recognizing the significance of this day. It was on this day in 1960 that the massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa occurred, where almost 70 lives were lost for peacefully demonstrating against the apartheid “pass laws”.

We take this occasion to honour those who have fought, and continue to fight – despite the hardship and sacrifice involved – for racial equality and the right of all people to live with respect and dignity. The struggle to eliminate racial discrimination is integral to the struggle for social justice and a better world, which is the responsibility of us all.

This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the United Nations proclamation of this annual observance. Despite this landmark, racial discrimination is still very much present in the world today, and our province is no exception. Ontario’s “communities of colour” experience higher rates of disadvantage than others, to the detriment of society as a whole.

To actively seek to eliminate racial discrimination, it is crucial for us to acknowledge it expresses itself in many different forms. It is not just the most overt instances, which may include use of racial slurs or hate graffiti. Nor is it just the denial of employment, housing or education opportunities due to ethnic or cultural background. Racial discrimination can take on much more subtle forms, and involve systemic barriers to access and real exclusion.

It is absolutely unacceptable for discriminatory or inequitable treatment to take place, and for anyone to be on the receiving end of such a painful and degrading experience.

Unfortunately, we still see: racial profiling in law enforcement; women of colour victimized through harassment; First Nations communities denied basic rights; and public officials able to make prejudiced remarks without recourse. Additionally, one-fifth of new Ontarians, despite generally higher levels of formal education than their predecessors, experience a state of chronic low income.

These situations are not coincidental. They are all part of systemic barriers, which call for systemic solutions, and for the involvement of all people to make a difference.

Only with the full participation of all Ontarians can our province see success and true equality.
It is with this in mind that New Democrats are actively working to: ensure a minimum living wage; recognize shelter as a right; enforce labour standards and protect the right to unionize; and support equity and innovation in the education system so that all students can achieve success. This is in addition to an unwavering commitment to high-quality publicly-funded healthcare and education, accessible post-secondary education and a vibrant labour market.

Those who reside in this province must be able to have faith in a justice system, which upholds human rights and makes rulings with fairness and integrity, especially for some of Ontario’s most vulnerable communities, including First Nations.

New Democrats take this opportunity to affirm our uncompromising commitment to eliminating racial discrimination, and stand proudly with all those who seek to do the same. We will not rest until this has been achieved. As Rosemary Brown, a true inspiration and lifelong champion of equality, once said: “Until all of us have made it, none of us have made it."