March 24th, 2015

Ontario NDP calls to re-establish Anti-Racism Directorate

QUEEN’S PARK — Today in the legislature, NDP MPP Teresa Armstrong called on the Premier to commit to establishing an Anti-Racism Directorate to speak to issues of racial inequality in the province. 

“This past Saturday was the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, where we are reminded that not only does systemic racism continue to exist elsewhere, it persists here as well,” said Armstrong, MPP for London-Fanshawe. “Income inequality, unemployment and precarious employment continue to disproportionately affect racialized communities in the province.”

The NDP government of Ontario first established an Anti-Racism Directorate to address persistent racial inequalities and inequities in our province. The position was cut by the Conservative government, and while the Liberals passed legislation in 2006, nine years later they’ve failed to establish a new Anti-Racism Directorate.

“Will the Premier commit today to strike a task force that will examine issues of systemic racism in the province and create a new Anti-Racism Directorate?” asked Armstrong.