Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2015

OTTAWA – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

“In far too many corners of the world, discrimination is at the forefront of daily life for many members of racial minority groups. Today, we acknowledge and raise awareness of the fact that racial oppression is real and persistent, even in this day and age. We also take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate those working diligently toward a truly free and fair world.

“Canada is a country defined by – and celebrated for – its pluralism. Our ethnic, religious, and racial diversity is what makes us uniquely Canadian, and allows our society to operate and thrive within a multicultural fabric. As citizens of this great country, we know that we are made stronger, not in spite of our differences, but precisely because of them.

“Most importantly, we reaffirm today that the politics of fear and division have no place in our society, and that true leadership means bringing Canadians together, not dividing them against one another. On this day, as on all others, Liberals remain steadfast in our resolve to work tirelessly toward a society that is free from racial discrimination.”