February 16th, 2016

Statement by NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on establishment of anti-racism directorate

“I’m glad that the Liberal government has finally listened to the thousands of Ontarians, from across this province, who joined the NDP’s call to take action against racism and build a more inclusive Ontario.

The establishment of an Anti-Racism Directorate is an important step towards building a future where no one is left behind. And where all Ontarians can share in the opportunities we create.  This is a vision Ontario’s NDP will continue to push as the new legislative session begins.

This is an initiative that’s a decade overdue. I want to thank everyone who signed our petition, came to one of our community meetings, or who showed their support in other ways. Together we got results.”

Since Horwath and the Ontario NDP launched their campaign in mid-December 2015, over 7,000 Ontarians have signed petitions, both online and off, calling for the establishment of an OARS.

The call for the establishment of an anti-racism office in Ontario has been advocated by the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA), and the Colour of Poverty campaign, which combined represent over 100 community organizations.