Ottawa, March 19, 2010 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this coming Sunday:
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was proclaimed in 1966 to commemorate the March 21, 1960, massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa, when police opened fire on a peaceful anti-apartheid demonstration, killing 69 protesters.
As we reflect on the tragedy that unfolded in Sharpeville 50 years ago, it is important to reiterate that all forms of racial injustice are unacceptable and completely contrary to Canada’s fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
This day has been marked in Canada with the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition. This annual competition allows young people from across the country to express their views about the elimination of racism through the production of short videos.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I call on all Canadians to reject all forms of racial prejudice and to work towards the building of an integrated and socially-cohesive Canada.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
