Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement marking Canadian Multiculturalism Day:

“On Canadian Multiculturalism Day, we celebrate the multicultural province and country that we are privileged to live in. We also recognize that our work to make B.C. and Canada a safe and inclusive place for everyone is not done.

“We acknowledge the rich cultures and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples who have lived here since time immemorial. We have welcomed and continue to welcome newcomers who have travelled here from countries around the world to build a better life for their families. Generations of families now call this province home. Today and every day, we honour and celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions that make our province and country what they are.

“Our government re-established B.C.’s Human Rights Commission to protect and defend human rights, and we have launched Resilience BC, a new anti-racism network that targets racism, discrimination and hate in communities around the province. We have also selected the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre to act as a provincial hub to help communities respond to racism. We have made good progress, but there is more to do and I look forward to working with communities to build a more equitable province for everyone.”

“Today, we recommit to fighting racism and prejudice in all their forms. We all have a role to play in this work, especially those of us with privilege. At a time when hate crimes are on the rise here at home and across the border, we must challenge racist remarks, condemn stereotypes and scapegoating, correct misinformation and safely report racist incidents in our communities.”

“We join all Canadians in celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day and standing up for diversity, inclusion and respect for every person, in every community. Together, we can build a more just and inclusive province and country for everyone.”