Join the conversation: Anti-racism engagement

• A new national anti-racism strategy

  Racism divides communities, breeds fear and fuels animosity. Addressing racism and discrimination is a longstanding commitment of Canadians who see our country's diversity as a source of strength. Canada is strong, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. Unfortunately, Canada is not immune to racism and discrimination — challenges remain when it comes to fully embracing diversity, openness and cooperation.

  It is vital that Canada stands up to discrimination perpetrated against any individual or group of people on the basis of their religion and/or ethnicity and this is why the Government of Canada has committed to engage the public on a new federal anti-racism strategy. We are exploring racism as it relates to employment and income supports, social participation (for example, access to arts, sport and leisure) and justice.

• Notice

  These pages contain references to racism and discrimination, including online survey questions designed to collect personal experiences and beliefs on a voluntary basis. Materials may bring up past experiences of discomfort, anxiety, and/or trauma. Please engage with this content only when you feel prepared.

  If you feel you have experienced discrimination or harassment based on one or more of the grounds protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act – including race, national or ethnic origin, colour and religion – you may be able to file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Engagement Summary

From October 2018 to March 2019, engagement sessions were held across the country to gather input from Canadians, especially those with lived experiences of racism and discrimination, in order to help inform the development of a new federal anti-racism strategy. The engagement process consisted of 22 in-person forums that welcomed approximately 600 people and 443 organizations. Sessions were held in partnership with community groups and Indigenous Peoples including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. Equally, all Canadians were invited to participate through an online poll and survey.

In order to hear from as many Canadians as possible on racism and discrimination, we created an anonymous digital public engagement platform. The conversation was focused on issues where racism and discrimination most directly touch people's lives, as well as those policy areas that most closely overlap with the Government of Canada's jurisdiction. 

Key themes that guided discussion included:

• employment and income supports
• social participation (for example, sport, art, leisure)
• justice

Hearing from those who have had direct experience with racism and discrimination, and could offer intersectional perspectives was of particular interest.  
Participants were asked to:

• read Deepening Understanding, Developing Ideas: A Cross-Country Conversation on Anti-Racism.
• complete the online poll and survey to submit your feedback.

In-person sessions were also held with community members, leaders, experts (particularly those with lived experience), academics, and stakeholders across Canada. These meetings were not open to the public in order to ensure that participants were able to have focused, meaningful and safe conversations on subjects that, for many, include reflecting on harmful experiences.

What we heard

• What We Heard Report

Related links

• Deepening Understanding, Developing Ideas: A Cross-Country Conversation on Anti-Racism
• Anti-racism resources

Contact us

Department of Canadian Heritage
Anti-Racism Engagement
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau QC J8X 4B3

Email

pch.antiracism-antiracisme.pch@canada.ca

Telephone

1-866-811-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ET).