Ontario Seeking Public Input on Initiatives to Combat Racism

Ontario Seeking Public Input on Initiatives to Combat Racism

Consultations to inform renewal of province’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan

March 07, 2022

Citizenship and Multiculturalism


TORONTO — The Ontario government is seeking input from the community as it launches a review of the province’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. The consultations will help inform programs supporting public education and awareness, community collaboration, and anti-racism initiatives like the Anti-Black Racism Strategy and the development of an Indigenous-focused strategy.

“As our economy continues to grow stronger, our government is committed to ensuring that all Ontarians can benefit from equal access to opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from the public on ways we can empower communities and advance racial equity in this province,” said Parm Gill, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, responsible for the Anti-Racism Directorate. “Through this consultation and review we will continue to identify and deliver initiatives that help remove barriers and promote economic inclusion, so all children, youth and families in Ontario are able to reach their full potential.”

The review of Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan is a legislative requirement under the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and ensures the province continues to uphold its commitment to target systemic racism and advance racial equity for Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish, Asian and other racialized populations, and is responsive to emerging priorities.

Public and community-led engagements will inform the renewal of a whole-of-government approach that builds on existing initiatives to fight racism in the government, eliminate violence and hate, and empower communities, youth, and families.

Visit the consultation page to provide your feedback on the province’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan.


Quick Facts


Quotes

“The Network for the Advancement of Black Communities is pleased to facilitate a community-led engagement of Black Communities in the strategic review of Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategy. This review is critically important not only because it’s legislatively mandated but also because it’s happening at a time when hate and racism, including anti-Black racism, are increasing. A renewed and robust Anti-Racism Strategy will be one of the tools that are much needed for communities and government to combat racism and hate.”

– amanuel melles
Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities

“Eliminating systemic racism and biases is both critical and difficult. It is critical to building an inclusive economy and strong society. Partnering with community organizations and leaders will increase the odds for success. Muslim Association of Canada hopes this engagement will provide insights about how systemic racism impacts lives and help in charting a strategy to eliminate all forms of systemic biases.”

– Sharaf Sharafeldin
CEO of Muslim Association of Canada

“CIJA is pleased to partner with the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism as it launches a new chapter. It is critical that efforts to combat hate and racism – including antisemitism – be done in partnership with communities from across the province.”

– Noah Shack
Vice President, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

“The establishment of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and the Anti-Racism Directorate was an important step in the province. We look forward to working with the ARD in creating space for community voices in the review. We also look ahead to working with a fully resourced and empowered ARD on carrying out its renewed mandate.”

– Debbie Douglas
Executive Director, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)


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