International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination acknowledges injustices driven by racial discrimination. Katie Nesling/Dreamstime.com

By Jayk Sterkenburg

PROVINCIAL

Progress ‘continues to be made’ on elimination of racism in Canada, says Alberta minister

Mar 21, 2025 | 4:23 PM

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination acknowledges that injustices driven by racial discrimination still take place every day in Canada.

Muhammad Yaseen, Alberta’s minister of immigration and multiculturalism, said that progress continues to be made but there is always more to do to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can prosper and thrive.

“Alberta’s government is committed to the goal of eliminating racism and supporting the many diverse backgrounds and cultures of the people in our province,” he said in a statement Friday.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid pass laws in 1960.

“In that time great strides have been made by organizations, individuals and governments to address and reduce racial discrimination,” Yaseen said.

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While much progress has been made over the years, Indigenous peoples and racialized and religious minority communities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day.

The day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and government to continue working to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and injustice.

Racial discrimination can take place anywhere in one’s daily life — including in the workplace, housing, education, and healthcare.

It extends to racial profiling by law enforcement and hate crimes.

Yaseen said Alberta remains committed to funding community-led solutions through the Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Grant programs.

He said the province continues to implement recommendations outlined in the Alberta Anti-Racism Action Plan.

“Let us raise our voices and recommit to fighting racism and discrimination,” he said.

“Together, we are continuing to foster a diverse and inclusive province.”

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