Thank you so much, MP Mathyssen, for that question.
I do believe the anti-racism directorate should be entrenched in legislation. I think it's very important to, hopefully, maintain such a part of the government, to ensure that work continues regardless of who is holding power in our government, and to ensure that it is not politicized. I think one of the most difficult things our communities have faced in previous years is the politicization of even the word “Islamophobia”.
I would urge all committee members to think very much about how leaders do talk about our communities, as was mentioned earlier by the witness Mr. Khan. The way we are described in media and in political rhetoric does have a direct impact on our communities, and it is very important that our political leaders use inclusive language. I will tell you from first-hand experience that when we hear our political leaders use inclusive language, with respect for all people who live in Canada and their backgrounds, we really do feel a change in tenor.
On the flip side, when our communities are treated as being under suspicion.... There's a wonderful report by the RCMP called “Words Make Worlds” that talks about, for instance, the way that communities can be scapegoated. This really does have a direct impact not just on us as adults but especially on our children who are deeply impacted and hurt by the way our communities can sometimes be described. Legislation is going to be very important as is an anti-racism directorate, as well as of course the online piece that we have been waiting for.