The federal government is investing $110.4 million in Anti-racism Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Affairs of Canada Kamal Khera It was announced on Saturday.
Keira said at a news conference that the funds will support “hundreds” of projects and change the lives of “thousands” of Canadians.
“This strategy incorporates the voices and lived experiences of thousands of Canadians and strengthens our whole-of-government efforts to combat racism and discriminate “In all forms,” Khera said.
The federal government's new strategy is officially called “Changing Systems, Changing Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy” and will be implemented from 2024 to 2028.
She said more than half of the funds — $70 million — will be invested directly in local initiatives across the country to ensure communities have the necessary resources they need to combat racism and discrimination.
“Our goal with this strategy is to combat racism in all its forms and drive positive change in the lives of Canadians,” said Keira.
The new anti-racism strategy focuses on four areas of action, aiming to promote the economic, social and cultural empowerment of communities; advance racial equality in all areas, including immigration, health and housing systems; drive action in the justice and public safety systems; and leverage international engagement to advance racial equality.
The funds will support more than 70 federal initiatives “designed to ensure federal policies, programs and services reflect the Canada they serve,” the federal government said in a news release Saturday.
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Canada invested $45 million in an anti-racism strategy between 2019 and 2022. Since then, the world has “experienced several tragic events with devastating consequences, including in Canada,” Keira said in a news release.
The press release noted that indigenous, black, racial and religious minority communities continue to face barriers to inclusion due to racism and discrimination.
A Statistics Canada May Survey It found that more than a third (36 per cent) of Canadians aged 15 and over had experienced “some form of discrimination or unfair treatment” in the past five years.
“These experiences occur in a variety of settings — attending school, looking for work, working, shopping, seeking health care, and more,” Statistics Canada said.
A KPMG's February report It also found that eight in 10 Black Canadians said they still face some form of discrimination at work.
“Our Canadian values are being tested, but together we can and will create an environment where every voice is heard and every story is valued,” Keira said in a news release.
“I always say that in Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. And as a government, we will always make that choice.”
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