Statement by Wayne Marston on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Fifty years ago today, police opened fire and killed 69 people peacefully protesting against apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa. Since 1966, the United Nations has chosen this day to encourage the international community to join forces to eliminate all forms of discrimination.

As Canadians we are privileged to have as citizens, people from so many different faiths, cultures, ethnicities, traditions and backgrounds, live peaceably with each other. Canada is renowned the world over for our multiculturalism and diversity.

We also recognise however that there is still much work to be done.

The NDP is proud to have a diverse caucus working hard every day to build a more inclusive country, where all Canadians, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us all recommit to working together to eliminate racism, discrimination and intolerance and to building a fairer and more prosperous Canada where no one is left behind.