Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the following statement today to mark Canada’s Multiculturalism Day:

“Today we celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day, an opportunity to reflect and come together in the idea that we are all Canadians, regardless of our origins. Across Canada, communities forge their identities from a mosaic of languages, traditions and beliefs.

“In 1988, Canada became the first country in the world to officially recognize and embrace multiculturalism as a core value Canadian Law on Multiculturalism as the guiding principle of our country. This law aims to help build a society where everyone can thrive and where our diverse cultures and heritage, including the languages, customs, stories and practices of indigenous peoples, are celebrated.

“Our work is far from over if we really want to build a country where racially motivated people, indigenous peoples and religious minorities can live free from systemic racism and discrimination. For this reason, the Canadian government is renewing the Canadian Anti-Racism Strategy and creating a new Anti-Hate Action Plan. The new strategy will build on the work we undertook in 2019 to remove systemic barriers and advance equal opportunities for all Canadians, including our commitment to implement the Commission’s calls to action. Truth and Reconciliation, the Black Community Mental Health Fund, and our National Housing Strategy.

“In celebrating Canada’s Multiculturalism Day, we celebrate Canadians from all walks of life and recommit to building an inclusive and welcoming society where everyone has equal opportunity. Let us remain united in our commitment to defend the principles of justice and fairness for all. »