Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It is wild to me that the Bloc and Conservatives want to remove the word “racism” from the bill on environmental racism.
I absolutely do not support this amendment.
It's concerning to me that the Bloc are uncomfortable with this bill focusing on racism. Of course, there are other kinds of inequities in the world, but that doesn't negate the fact that this bill on environmental racism is important. Ensuring that we tackle the lack of racial data in Canada on this topic is crucial. Indigenous people in Canada are disproportionately impacted by toxic substances and polluting industries. Of course, we need to take an intersectional approach, but to try to remove the word “racism” to deny the need to focus specifically on systemic racism is extremely troubling.
I will be voting against this amendment.