tatement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on
March 21, 2010
OTTAWA - Liberal 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.”
Press Office, Office of the Leader of the Opposition
