CRRF’s Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) stands in solidarity with all those who have experienced discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, or cultural background. Racism is a pervasive problem that affects communities around the world, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and society as a whole.

We know that communities themselves hold the answer to many of the issues related to racism. We acknowledge the resilience and strength of communities in the face of systemic oppression and discrimination, and we are committed to working with them to achieve true equity and justice, and to ensure their safety.

Unfortunately, hate crimes continue to be a problem in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, there were 1,946 police-reported hate crimes in 2020, an increase of 7% from the previous year. Most of these crimes were racially motivated, with Black and Indigenous peoples being disproportionately affected.

Many victims have nowhere to turn for support and there are major gaps and inconsistencies in the services available to victims. Following the publication of our report on support for victims of hate last year, the CRRF called on the government to establish a national Support Hub for Victims of Hate & Support Services to improve access to high quality services for victims and survivors of hate.

“The elimination of racism requires collective action and a commitment to dismantling systems of oppression. We must work together to challenge the harmful attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate racism and to build a more equitable and just society for all,” said CRRF Executive Director Mohammed Hashim.

We’re proud to have been able to award $3.9 million in funding to community groups and non-profit organizations to combat systemic barriers faced by Indigenous, Black and racialized people in Canada, to promote education and research, to build public awareness on systemic racism, and to foster intercultural community cohesion.

On this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to working in collaboration with communities to build a better future, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive and where diversity is celebrated as a strength. We call on governments, organizations, and individuals across Canada to join us in this effort, and to listen to and learn from the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of all people.