By Canadian Heritage | August 3, 2021
The Government of Canada is unwavering in its commitment to uphold the values of diversity and inclusion, including tackling all forms of systemic racism and discrimination. The recent tragic events motivated by hate have reminded us that we must continue working to make Canada a consciously more inclusive society, where everyone can fully participate in economic, cultural, social, and political spheres, reach their full potential, and live as their authentic selves.
The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and Member of Parliament for Waterloo, announced $20.4 million to support 92 projects across the country to address barriers to employment, justice, and social participation among Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and religious minorities.
The projects funded through the Anti-Racism Action Program, will help:
- community organizations confront racism and discrimination, promote intercultural and interfaith understanding, and create opportunities to participate fully in Canadian society;
- promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism, and religious discrimination at the domestic and international levels; and
- organizations leverage research and evidence to build an understanding of the disparities and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and religious minorities.
The Anti-Racism Action Program will fund projects like the First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre, which will receive $253,940 to increase cultural understanding and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and empower Indigenous peoples in the creation of provincial policies. Additionally, the Afghan Women’s Centre of Montreal will receive $203,702 to fund a project that will address gaps in social participation and access to employment for Central Asian women in Quebec, primarily from Muslim backgrounds, which will help address issues of isolation and disengagement in society.
The funding announced today is part of a two-year, $50 million commitment outlined in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement to re-invest in the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program and the Anti-Racism Action Program, and to expand the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat.
The Anti-Racism Action Program is yet another important step that we are taking to address systemic racism by providing funding to support local, regional, and national initiatives and outcomes-based activities. The Government of Canada will continue implementing the Anti-Racism Strategy as we build a more inclusive society.
“Our government is committed to combatting anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Indigenous racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all other forms of racism. The support provided through the Anti-Racism Action Program will help address the systemic barriers that prevent many communities from participating fully and equitably in all aspects of society. We will continue empowering and enabling organizations that aim to dismantle systemic racism to build a more inclusive Canada,” says the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and Member of Parliament for Waterloo