China News Agency, Toronto, June 1st (Reporter Yu Ruidong) After the demonstrations against racism in many places in Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted that there is racism and systematic discrimination in Canada. More work needs to be done to combat this.
Trudeau told the media in Ottawa on June 1st local time that the situation in neighboring countries in the south also had an impact on Canada. For Canadians, "the pictures and stories from the United States are too familiar."
"We cannot pretend that racism does not exist here." Trudeau said that anti-black racism, unconscious prejudice, and systematic discrimination are all real and happening in Canada.
Data Map: Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau. China News Service issued MSC/Kuhlmann photo
He said that the current situation of people facing violence because of skin color is unacceptable. "We will work together to take meaningful actions to combat different forms of racism and discrimination."
Trudeau also said that the government still needs to do more to address the systemic inequities that have long plagued black and indigenous communities. The Canadian federal government has funded black community groups, supported anti-racism projects, and strengthened data collection at the Federal Bureau of Statistics to develop anti-racism strategies.
Trudeau responded to the media on May 29 that racism really exists in the United States and Canada. He called on Canadians to continue their efforts and unanimously oppose racism against ethnic groups such as blacks and Asians.
Leaders of Canada’s main opposition parties, the Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party, all expressed their opposition to racism against ethnic minorities.
A peaceful demonstration against racism took place on May 30 in Toronto and Halifax, expressing concern about the inexplicable death of a 29-year-old black woman in Toronto in the presence of a police officer and questioning the police. The criticism also echoed the wave of protests caused by the black American George Freud suspected of being "kneeled down" by white police.
On May 30 local time, Toronto, Canada, protesters took to the streets to demonstrate.
Vancouver and Montreal also witnessed large-scale demonstrations against racism on May 31. But in Montreal, some demonstrators clashed with the police, smashed and looted some shops along the street, and committed arson. The police arrested 11 people.
On June 1, the demonstrators in Halifax took to the streets again, expressing protests for the death of George Freud.
In response to the violence that occurred during the Montreal demonstrations, Trudeau condemned the "few people who tried to disrupt peaceful demonstrations."
Canadian officials adjusted their travel warnings to the United States on June 1st. Although they still maintain the "normal safety precautions" risk level, they remind Canadians in the United States to avoid parades and large gatherings and to comply with local curfews and other requirements. . (Finish)