Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement today:
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our parliamentary caucus, I would
like to join all Canadians in marking the International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination.
On March 21st in 1960, during a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid
‘pass laws,’ police opened fire on 69 protesters in Sharpeville, South
Africa. Over the last fifty years, this day has come to mark the signal
moment when the international community came together to combat racial
discrimination and its tragic consequences throughout the world.
For Canadians, this day has become an opportunity for us to reflect upon how our
diversity defines us. It is one of our founding principles that all citizens,
regardless of their racial, ethnic or religious background, will have an equal
right to participate fully in all facets of society and an equal voice in the
affairs of our country.
However, we cannot take any of our principles for granted. We must continue to
build a society where racial discrimination will not be tolerated, and where we
will advance the principles of mutual respect and opportunity for all.
I urge all Canadians on this day to honour our commitment to these ideals and
to oppose all forms of racial discrimination, both here at home and around the
world.”
