Governments can play an important role in supporting initiatives and projects that create understanding between Canadians of all walks of life. Education, in addition to our existing hate laws, is our best defence, and offence, in dealing with racism and hatred. We need to empower our communities to continue the work they do, to partner with one another and to work with school divisions, law enforcement, and social services to create the awareness and understanding needed to support the victims of hatred and racism. Government can also play an important role in creating a better and deeper understanding of the phenomenon of racism and discrimination as they re-emerge in different forms and target different victims.
Finally, I'd like to end by saying that it is critical that our elected officials exercise moral leadership when it comes to racism and discrimination. We need to hear it loud and clear from all political parties and all elected officials that in Canada people will receive respect based on simple human dignity, regardless of creed, colour, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We expect our elected leaders to uphold this principle and to be an example to us all.
Thank you, Madam Chair.