Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The 2017 UN theme is racial profiling and incitement to hatred, with a focus on how this impacts refugees and migrants.
The recent terrorist attack against the Muslim community in Quebec was a devastating reminder that Canada is not immune from hate crimes and racially motivated violence. Racial profiling of minorities continues on our streets. Systemic discrimination against first nations, Métis and Inuit peoples continues across Canada. People are being discriminated against at our border by Trump's prejudiced immigration and travel ban.
There is no place in Canada for hatred or discrimination of any kind.
Teanna Ducharme, member of the Nisga'a Nation and Daughters of the Vote delegate, stood in the House and said, “I envision a Canada that is fierce in its leadership and shows just how much every person is equal.”
We must challenge racist attitudes and behaviours if we hope to continue building a fair and equitable society, and to change the reality in Canada for racialized people and all who seek racial justice.