Canada launches New Anti-Racism Strategy changing systems, changing lives

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement by the federal government on Saturday, June 15^th, 2024, of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 was released on the Government of Canada website. It was in 2015 that it was first announced that they would make a concerted effort to ensure that diversity and inclusivity are the focus of their federal policies. The release in 2019 of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022: Building a Foundation for Change informs the Government of Canada’s actions to promote diversity. The release of the new Anti-Racism Strategy was made by the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities.

Canada’s first anti-racism strategy involves the investment of $70 million in community organizations throughout Canada to address issues related to anti-racism and multiculturalism. The website notes, “The strategy served all people living in Canada by addressing racism and discrimination in their various forms with a strong focus on community-based projects.”

In Budget 2022, $85 million was allocated over four years to the Department of Canadian Heritage and a national action plan was subsequently developed to tackle hate. $70 million from the $85 million was allocated in the form of grants and contributions to BIPOC and religious minority communities. This was to ensure that they have access to resources that support their full participation in Canadian society, while also raising awareness of issues related to racism and hate in Canada.

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

• Promoting economic, social and cultural empowerment
• Advancing racial equity in immigration, health and housing systems
• Driving justice, law enforcement, intelligence, and public safety
• Using international engagement to inform advancement on racial equity and inclusion at home

There will be a $110.4 million investment in different sectors such as: employment, justice, law enforcement, housing and healthcare as part of the new Anti-Racism Strategy. In addition, there will be more than 70 federal initiatives that will be embedded with this strategy that will ensure that: federal policies, programs and services are adjusted to the diversity of Canada’s population.

The announcement of the second United Nation (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent was the basis of the establishment of this new strategy. There has been an investment of $872 million in the Black communities across Canada that has gone towards the: Supporting Black Canadian Initiative, the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund as well as other things directed toward the Black communities.

There were two endorsements of the new strategy in the press release. The Honorable Kamal Khera states, “Since the launch of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the world has experienced several tragically impactful events, resulting in devastating consequences, including right here in Canada.”

“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.”

Sameer Zuberi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities) states, “Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy has been developed in concert with racialized communities. 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.”