“Today, our government reaffirms its commitment to building a province where all people feel safe, welcome, and respected.
“My role as Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women is to inspire Albertans to celebrate our diversity. Our approach to multiculturalism targets the root causes of racism, which are fear and misunderstanding.
“We are working with the Anti-Racism Advisory Council to identify key priorities that are imperative for an inclusive and accepting Alberta. Their advice and wisdom will inform policy work in our government.
“We lead by example and demonstrate the value that multiculturalism brings to our province by celebrating vibrant cultural events, such as Diwali, Lunar New Year and Black History Month. We are proud to recognize and share our cultural traditions. Sharing and learning about our different cultural traditions, food, music and dance leads to deeper understanding and stronger relationships.
“These next few months will challenge us to connect through different mediums as we live through COVID-19.
Renée Vaugeois, executive director of the John Humphrey Centre for Human Rights, added:
“We are facing incredibly difficult times in Alberta and across the country. Nothing feels certain. It is at times like these, however, that racism and discrimination can intensify and fear can grab hold.
“On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us remember that we are all connected and that it is only through working together, across our differences, that we can overcome the adversities that face us collectively.”