Mr. Speaker, today is the international day to eliminate racism and discrimination and on this day Canadians from coast to coast will be participating in a variety of activities to mark the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960.
As Canadians join together to send a message of tolerance and inclusion, I am particularly proud of an event being held in Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough.
Today the 11th Annual Run Against Racism is being held in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Master marathon runner Henderson Paris of New Glasgow, along with support runners are running a total of 38 miles to raise public awareness in the fight against racism. Henderson and his fellow runners started this morning at 8.30 and are running through all five municipalities and the Pictou Landing Mi'Kmaq first nations reserve, crossing the finish line at 5.45 this evening.
I would like to commend Mr. Paris and his organizing committee for their commitment to this event that instils hope. I believe that the success of this event and others is reflective of an evolving positive attitude among Canadians of all ages, sending a clear message that discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated and that we will oppose it wherever we find it.