NDP Leader Andrea Horwath’s Statement on rising incidents of anti-Chinese and anti-Asian racism

QUEEN’S PARK – Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Official Opposition, issued the following statement in response to reports of increasing incidents of anti-Chinese and anti-Asian racism:

“It is deeply concerning to hear increasing reports of anti-Chinese and Anti-Asian racism linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seniors, students, and families have been the targets of harassment and attacks for simply going about their daily lives. Recently, a Conservative leadership candidate and MP criticized the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, by claiming she worked for China.

We, as a country and province, can and must do better. This upswing in racism mirrors the scapegoating of Chinese and Asian communities during the 2003 SARS outbreak, and it is exactly what Chinese community leaders were warning the government against back in February. Since then, Chinese and Asian Canadian organizations have been working to combat and document incidents of racism. The provincial government can do its part by fighting the virus, while addressing the rising racism Chinese and Asian Ontarians are experiencing. Political leaders must challenge hateful language and discrimination and fund public education that protects our children, seniors, and loved ones from these harmful myths. We are all Ontarians. We can and must stand united against racism wherever and however it appears.”