By Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada | August 9, 2021
The Government of Canada is committed to taking action against racism and discrimination in all their forms, including online, in our communities and in the workplace.
Today, during a visit to the future site of the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, affirmed the importance of diversity, inclusion and representation in all aspects of society. Minister Ng was joined by the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre; the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South; and Carol Lee, Vancouver businesswoman and philanthropist.
Minister Ng highlighted the significant contributions people of Asian descent have made, are making now and will continue to make for generations to come in Canada.
The Minister expressed her commitment to continuing to fight racism and discrimination on behalf of all Canadians and to using every opportunity to encourage Canadians of all backgrounds to get involved in this effort. She underscored the government’s work in this area, such as the $11-million investment through Budget 2021 to support all racialized communities directly impacted by the rise of racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, including to help establish a national coalition to support Asian Canadians.
“As a Canadian of Asian descent at the Cabinet table, I consider fighting anti-Asian racism and increasing Asian Canadian representation in leadership roles as priorities, not just for our government but for me, personally. Through concrete actions, our government will continue to work hard to fight racism in all its forms and make our communities more inclusive,” says the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade