Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, March 21 is officially the first day of spring. For many it signals the end of a long winter and the beginning of a beautiful spring and summer. As well it is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Although this date was declared 30 years ago by the United Nations as a symbol of the worldwide need to end racism, not enough progress has been made as racial discrimination remains prevalent within Canadian society. This fact was confirmed by
yesterday's report of the Canadian Human Rights Commission presented by its chief commissioner, Mr. Max Yalden.
Racial discrimination can rear its ugly head in all aspects of ordinary life: education, employment opportunities, justice, the workplace and housing to name a few. Nobody is ever born a racist. It is something that is learned through social interaction.
Hopefully this special day will signal the beginning of a renewed sense of tolerance within Canada.