Mr. Speaker, before I begin I would like to thank the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism for promoting this day in honour of the elimination of racial discrimination. At the meeting this morning we all heard wise words about what is happening around the world.
It is with pleasure that I join my colleagues from all parties calling for an end to racial discrimination. I agree strongly with the themes being presented today. On behalf of the Reform Party, I would like to say that racial discrimination in all forms is completely unacceptable.
It is important to say this because I know there have been several false allegations levelled against Reformers in the past. I have personally heard individuals who have tried to paint our party as one that tolerates racist beliefs. However this was just political mischief on their part.
I want the record to be perfectly clear. If there are any Canadians who think they can find a home for their racist beliefs in Reform they are dead wrong. Instead, they will find that they are not welcome and will be rooted out.
It angers me that I even have to deny this ludicrous image. But Reformers will not accept the slurs of our political competitors without reply. A perfect example happened last night at our rally in Etobicoke North, a very ethnic riding. People from all ethnic backgrounds were there and I was delighted to see the terrific mix of people, as everyone will see from the newspapers today.
I would like to give some advice to the government if it is willing to listen, and I know it is. In the quest to eradicate racial discrimination, it must be vigilant but it must not confuse the issues as it has often done in the past.
The elimination of racial discrimination means that everyone has the right to be treated fairly and equally. Everyone has the same rights, everyone is equal. This means that institutionalizing reverse discrimination through bills like C-64 is wrong. Overlapping one layer of unfairness with another is no solution to problems.
Instead, we have to make sure that Canadians of all ethnic backgrounds feel comfortable and proud to be who they are. All Canadians have to be given the chance to live up to their potential and this is done by looking beyond race and colour. It is done by judging the character and skills of people without regard to ethnic background. This is what Reformers believe and I think most Canadians would share this view.
The time has come to abandon the prejudices of the past and abandon the reverse discrimination quick fixes that have not addressed the root of the racial problem. Let us make this day a new beginning. Let us work together to stamp out racism.
I would like to quote what the Ambassador to South Africa said this morning at breakfast: "Racism can, should and will be defeated".