March 21, 2014

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston,
Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of the
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

OTTAWA— Diversity and multiculturalism make our society richer. And yet, there is still so more much we need to do to be more tolerant and eliminate racial discrimination, in Canada and throughout the world.

Canada is home to a large number of ethnic groups, some of whose members, newly arrived on Canadian soil, are still confronted with unacceptable racial prejudices. To encourage our country’s cultural mosaic, I call on all its citizens to take a firm stand against this type of exclusion.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us, here at home and worldwide, that we must all continue our efforts and celebrate our successes, while remaining especially vigilant to eliminate all forms of inequality and discrimination. This will ensure that Canada maintains its reputation as a generous, open and welcoming country.

David Johnston

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Media information:

Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca 

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