Teresa Wat, British Columbia’s Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, has issued the following statement today ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Monday, March 21:

“In recognition of this upcoming international awareness day, the Government of British Columbia is proud to reaffirm our commitment to a discrimination-free B.C. by also proclaiming March 21, 2016, as the Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in B.C.

“As B.C.’s Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, it is my honour to celebrate B.C.’s diversity and the advantages of our multicultural society. Acts of racism and discrimination erode the fabric of our multicultural society. This is why the B.C. government continually seeks new ways to combat racial discrimination throughout our province.

“An average of $1.7 million is invested annually in programs that equip British Columbians with the tools to address racism in their communities. This includes funding programs such as Safe Harbour, developing provincewide networks such as the Organizing Against Racism and Hate network and providing educational programs to help the next generation challenge racism.

“As the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, British Columbia is proof that vibrant, thriving communities depend on the participation of all citizens. It took many hands from various cultures to build this province, and it is these same hands that must help us hold B.C. to the highest standards of respect, harmony and inclusion.”

The proclamation is available online at: http://ow.ly/ZDNVZ