Response to Ministerial Statement – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise in response to the minister’s statement and to join him in celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The minister is right to note that Alberta’s communities are already hard at work preparing to celebrate the day and our multicultural heritage. I’ve already been to a few events in Edmonton on this very theme, including the Harmony Brunch, which is organized by the Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation, and the celebrations organized by Changing Together, my very favourite, which is the centre for helping immigrant women participate fully in Canadian society.
Other Edmonton events celebrating this day include Speaking Truth to Power, a series of workshops, films, and art exhibits presented by the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association, and cultural crossroads workplace training and antiracism workshops for adults, both organized by the Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations. In Calgary public libraries will host the Living Library for citizens to engage in conversations with each other, learning about each other’s experiences in dealing with racial discrimination, and the bilingual Maple Sugar Festival will promote a multicultural family atmosphere where Albertans will be able to enjoy traditional food and meet people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
That just scratches the surface, Mr. Speaker. Suffice it to say that Albertans understand the importance of eliminating racism. We are, however slowly, learning how to love and respect one another. We are learning that our external differences are meaningless. We are learning, to paraphrase Dr. King, that the colour of our skin is far less important than the content of our character.
This Saturday, March 21, I hope that all Albertans will take some time to reflect on our own prejudices – we all have them – and to rededicate ourselves to the cause of racial harmony. As wonderful a place as Alberta is, I don’t think we’ll achieve the full measure of our greatness until men, women, and children of all races and sexual orientations enjoy total acceptance from their fellow citizens.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
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