The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, unveiled Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022. A key pillar of the strategy is the establishment of a new Anti-Racism Secretariat that will lead a whole-of-government approach in addressing racism and discrimination. The strategy, with an investment of $45 million, has been designed to support the following 3 principles:

  1. Demonstrating Federal Leadership: The Government of Canada must take a leading role in addressing systemic racism and discrimination when found to exist within our federal institutions and in public policies, programs and services.
  2. Empowering Communities: Funding to support racialized communities, religious minorities and Indigenous Peoples on the ground who have expertise in addressing various forms of racism and discrimination.
  3. Building Awareness and Changing Attitudes: To increase awareness of the historical roots of racism and discrimination, and their impacts on communities and Indigenous Peoples.

The investments in the Strategy are building on current efforts to create long-term changes in supporting communities and for improved policies, initiatives and practices in our federal institutions. They are meant to be the first step of a longer-term commitment and a foundation for change in addressing racism and discrimination in Canada. Applications for new funding opportunities will be available on September 3, 2019. To learn more about the Government of Canada’s anti-racism strategy, visit canada.ca/anti-racism.

“Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths. While we take pride in being a welcoming and inclusive country, we know that racism and discrimination are still a reality for many Canadians across the country. Our government recognizes that we are in a unique position to address racism in our institutions and society. This national anti-racism strategy is an essential first step in building a more inclusive country, where all Canadians can participate equally.”

—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism