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March 21, 2007
Whether it is based on race, gender, religion, language or any other reason, discrimination is an unacceptable behaviour within our society.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, I am very pleased to join all Canadians in taking a stance against racism and denouncing the many forms it can take in our daily lives.
This year coincides with the 200th anniversary of the British Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. This bicentenary is without a doubt a landmark event and crucial for humanity.
Let’s take this opportunity to reflect together on this episode, one of the most barbaric in our history; let’s remember that slavery existed in Canada and that it took enormous effort to build a fairer and more equitable society. We have a lot to learn from these women and men who, at the time, dared to valiantly dream of a better world and whose courage paved the way for many generations to come.
Let’s also remember that it was Upper Canada that became the first jurisdiction of the British Empire to bring slavery to an end. That gesture encouraged others among our predecessors to look at the world from a different perspective and to join the fight against the many obstacles that arise from ignorance, racism and indifference.
As an extension to these actions of long ago, today I am pleased to recognize the concrete efforts and focussed community initiatives happening across Canada, which clearly indicate that we continue to be vigilant and attentive to racial discrimination. Because we know how insidious and pervasive racism can be, it is imperative that we never let our guard down.
We live in a country which defines itself every day through its diversity. We must seize every opportunity to recognize all that we can accomplish together by joining hands and concentrating on all that we have in common rather than focussing on our differences.
We deserve to be proud of our determination to uphold the values of respect, equality and freedom that prevail in Canada and make us one.
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Marie-Paule Thorn
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613-993-2569