Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism, has issued the following statement today on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

“Government is proud to reaffirm our commitment to a province free of discrimination by proclaiming March 21, 2017, as the Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in British Columbia.

“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 threaten to erode the fabric of our multicultural society, and that’s why the B.C. government continually seeks new ways to combat racial discrimination.

“Our role in government is to create an environment where an inclusive and diverse population supports our communities. Over the last two years government has spent over $1.6 million annually on programs that promote multiculturalism, address racism and build inclusive communities in British Columbia.

“This includes developing Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) networks throughout the province, providing public-education programs to help students understand and challenge racism, and offering multiculturalism grants for community groups to help them develop strategies to address racism and celebrate B.C.’s multicultural heritage in their communities.

“As the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, the roots of multiculturalism run deep in British Columbia. It is up to all of us to ensure that it flourishes and grows for the benefit of all British Columbians, today and for future generations.”