Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on Canadian Multiculturalism Day:

“Today, we celebrate a pillar of our national identity: multiculturalism.

“We honour the many cultural communities that make our country and our province strong and vibrant, and we reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion and mutual respect.

“Indigenous Peoples have lived on the lands now known as Canada for many generations and millennia. Today, B.C. is the most ethnically diverse province in the country – home to people from every part of Canada and more than 200 countries. This growing diversity enriches our lives, our communities and our province.

“As we celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day, we also recognize that racism and discrimination remain an unacceptable reality for many people in our province.

“Our government condemns this hate and is committed to rooting it out in partnership with affected communities.

“In the past year alone, we have passed the Anti-Racism Act to address racism within government programs and services, established the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund to help community groups prevent or respond to hate-motivated attacks, and launched the Racist Incident Helpline to connect people with support when they are targeted. We know there is more to do, and we will continue to take action to ensure our communities are safe for people of all backgrounds.

“Today, I encourage everyone to take some time to learn about the diverse communities that call B.C. home, whether by attending a community celebration, trying a new restaurant or just taking the time to chat with a neighbour. By sharing our cultures and learning from each other, we can enrich our lives while also creating a more welcoming province for everyone.”