Statement from Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Kent Hehr, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Statements
March 21, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Kent Hehr, today issued the following statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
“Racism and discrimination run contrary to the Canadian values of promoting peace, democracy, and human rights. These are the very values that the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) serve to defend.
“Throughout our history, Canada’s military has defended these principles on many different fronts, both at home and around the world. Canada is strong because of our diversity, and we have been strengthened in many ways by our shared experiences over the past 150 years.
“Our organizations are inclusive and diverse and we do not tolerate racism. And yet, we are not immune from these destructive attitudes and behaviours. All DND and VAC employees, as well as CAF members and Veterans, have the right to be treated fairly, respectfully, with dignity, and without discrimination.
“CAF recruiters are working diligently to ensure that our organization reflects Canadian society. The new CAF Diversity Strategy and our upcoming new Defence Policy are aimed at making Canada’s military an even greater source of pride for the people we serve.
“Upholding these values has become the cornerstone of what it means to be Canadian. We remember the Canadians who laid down their lives to protect these shared values. We honour them as we continue to carry on their legacy, and we strive to make their vision our reality.
“We thank those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, past, present and future, for their efforts in combating racial discrimination, at home and abroad.”
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Related Products
- Minister of National Defence video on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- MVA/AMND video message on IDERD
Associated Links
Contacts
Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-3100
Email: jordan.owens@forces.gc.ca
Sarah McMaster
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (613) 996-4649