As a nation built on diversity, Canada prides itself on being a mosaic of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. However, the recent rise in hate-related incidents has cast a shadow over this ideal. It is more crucial than ever to take significant steps to dismantle racism and discrimination that breed insecurity and limit opportunities for millions of Canadians.
In response to these growing concerns, the Government of Canada is proud to announce the launch of “Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028.” This ambitious plan comes with a robust commitment of $110.4 million over the next five years, dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
This new Anti-Racism Strategy has been shaped by extensive community engagement across the country and adopts a comprehensive whole-of-government approach. It aims to deliver concrete results in four key priority areas:
- Promoting Economic, Social, and Cultural Empowerment
- Advancing Racial Equity in Immigration, Health, and Housing Systems
- Driving Justice, Law Enforcement, Intelligence, and Public Safety Systems Reform
- Using International Engagement to Inform Advancement on Racial Equity and Inclusion at Home
As part of this strategy, the government will explore legislative options and establish an anti-racism framework designed to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate racism. This includes targeted actions to transform the lives of Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, racialized groups, and religious minorities across Canada.
Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament, stated, “Our work regularly reveals the extent to which racism is still deeply entrenched in Canada. The communities we support and with whom we collaborate across the country experience it firsthand in all its forms, from violent acts of hate to more insidious, daily systemic inequities. A community-informed federal strategy to transform this reality, with concrete actions and accountability mechanisms, is a strong and long-awaited push in the right direction.”
“Changing Systems, Transforming Lives” is not just a plan; it is a new instrument to address the root causes of systemic racism. It represents a coordinated federal leadership roadmap aimed at building a fairer and more inclusive country where everyone in Canada has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
Our government is committed to fostering a society where all people feel safe, accepted, and empowered to reach their full potential. This strategy marks a significant step forward in our collective journey toward justice, equality, and respect for all.