Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21, a reminder that we still have work to do to create a world free of discrimination.
Unfortunately, too many individuals, communities and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. It not only affects individuals’ mental health and well-being, it holds us back as a society.
According to a report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, racialized Canadians encounter a persistent “colour code” that blocks them from the best paying jobs our country has to offer and traps them in insecure, temporary, and low paying work. Furthermore, poverty rates for racialized families are three times higher than non-racialized families.
This week, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will reveal the 2013 federal budget, which he has already said will include further cuts to public services. As part of the 2012 budget, Citizenship and Immigration Canada shut 19 of its offices across the country, putting frontline services out of reach for many people applying for temporary and permanent residency or to change their visa status.Further cuts to programs and services are a direct attack on those already most marginalized in our communities.
Please do your part to end racial discrimination in your community and stand up for equality in your workplace.
In Solidarity,
Marianne Hladun
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Prairies