Minister Bardish Chagger, along with Minister Daniel Vandal and Parliamentary Secretary Larry Bagnell, announces anti-racism projects in Yukon that address systemic barriers faced by racialized communities and Indigenous Peoples

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“Our commitment to combating all forms of racism and discrimination is unwavering. These projects will help address the systemic barriers preventing Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and religious minorities from participating fully and equitably in all aspects of Canadian society. We will continue our work as allies and partners with all equity-seeking communities to combat racism as we build an even better and consciously more inclusive society."

—The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

“The Government of Canada is working and engaging with racialized communities and Indigenous Peoples to address systemic racism. The support provided to these two Yukon-based projects through the Anti-Racism Action Program will help Indigenous communities address their unique needs associated with the justice system. We will continue our work as partners with Indigenous and Northern communities as we build a better and more inclusive society.”

—The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

“The government is committed to empowering organizations from coast to coast to coast who have the expertise in addressing all forms of racism and discrimination. Funding of these Yukon organizations is crucial in supporting initiatives aimed at addressing barriers to employment, justice, and social participation among Indigenous people, racialized communities, and religious minorities ”

—The Honourable Larry Bagnell P.C., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Yukon)

“With support from Canadian Heritage, the Kwanlin Dün self-governing northern First Nation will help our citizens confront discrimination, break down barriers, and access our traditional services to create a culturally relevant pathway through the justice system. This pilot project, Justice Through Healing, is one step on our journey toward reconciliation and equity for our citizens.”

—Chief Doris Bill, Kwanlin Dün First Nation 

“Yukon Circle of Change is grateful for this support for our Restorative Practices Community Project so Yukoners can be proactive in building peace and dismantling racist structures in our community, as well as responding to harm done in a restorative way. We are honoured to be able to carry out this work which promotes reconciliation through education and practice.”

—Christine Klaassen-St Pierre, Yukon Circle of Social Change Society

• Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, unveiled on June 25, 2019, after extensive cross-country consultations, is a $45-million investment to build long-term changes in supporting communities and improving policies, initiatives, and practices in our federal institutions. 

• As part of the Anti-Racism Strategy, a $15-million call for proposals for the Anti-Racism Action Program was launched on September 3, 2019.

• On November 23, 2020, the Government of Canada launched a new call for proposals for the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program. The call for proposals for the Projects and the Community Capacity Building components is open until January 12, 2021. Events component proposals are accepted on a continuous basis.

• The new Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat website has been launched. It will be a resource for all Canadians to find information on the work of the Secretariat, upcoming events, and funding opportunities across government.

• On September 23, 2020, the Speech from the Throne outlined the Government of Canada’s priorities, including its ongoing and future efforts to address systemic racism by working with racialized communities and Indigenous Peoples. 

• In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada is providing $50 million over two years, starting in 2021–22, to expand the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program and the Anti-Racism Action Program to deliver on the government’s anti-racism objectives, including by expanding the Anti-Racism Secretariat.

Related products

• Building a More Inclusive Canada: Government of Canada Announces Funding for Anti-Racism Projects Across the Country
• Backgrounder – Building a More Inclusive Canada: Government of Canada Announces Funding for Anti-Racism Projects Across the Country
• The Government of Canada Launches Call for Proposals for the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program

Associated links

• Anti-Racism Action Program
• Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022
• Speech from the Throne - A stronger and more resilient Canada
• Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat
• Building Back Better: A Plan to Fight the COVID-19 Recession

For more information (media only), please contact:

Danielle Keenan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
819-934-1132

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca