Canada Launches Ambitious Anti-Racism Strategy to Transform Lives
Ottawa – The Government of Canada has unveiled a bold new initiative aimed at combating systemic racism and fostering inclusion across the nation. The announcement of “Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy” was made by the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Since 2015, Canada has made significant strides in promoting diversity. However, systemic racism remains a pervasive issue affecting many communities, including Indigenous peoples, Black Canadians, racialized groups, and religious minorities. These communities continue to face barriers that hinder their full social and economic participation.
The new Anti-Racism Strategy is designed to address these challenges through a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach. It encompasses over 70 federal initiatives, backed by a substantial $70 million in grant funding aimed at driving systemic change and fostering positive impacts within communities.
Minister Khera stated, “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.”
Key priority areas identified through extensive community engagement include:
- Promoting economic, social, and cultural empowerment.
- Advancing racial equity in immigration, health, and housing systems.
- Reforming justice, law enforcement, intelligence, and public safety systems.
- Using international engagement to inform and enhance racial equity and inclusion at home.
To deliver tangible results, the Strategy will bolster community programming and investments, support communities as experts in combating racism, establish an anti-racism framework for the federal public service, implement new accountability measures, and strengthen the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat. It also aims to work closely with provinces, territories, and international partners.
The strategy builds on the foundations of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy (2019-2022) and aligns with the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent. It also includes historic investments in communities through initiatives like the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, and the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program.
Member of Parliament for London West, Arial Kayabaga, remarked, “We know systemic racism persists, affecting Indigenous, Black, racialized, and religious minority communities. Our government is committed to the equity and inclusion of all Canadians. The launch of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy with its focus on economic empowerment, justice reform, and targeted interventions against anti-Black racism and all forms of racism, promises to not only address the inequities we face but to pave the way for a more inclusive and just society for all.”
With this new strategy, Canada takes a significant step forward in removing systemic racial barriers, advancing human rights and equity, and enhancing the wellbeing of all its citizens. This initiative underscores that while diversity is a fact, inclusion remains a deliberate and crucial choice for the nation’s future.