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Minister Blackburn’s message to participants, Conference - Breaking the Barriers

Halifax, Nova Scotia

November 6, 2007

Video Transcript

Good morning Your Honour.  

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. 

Welcome.

I regret that I could not join you in person today, as I know that your deliberations are very important. 

Racism in the workplace is a serious problem.

I believe that all Canadians have the right to a fair, safe and inclusive work environment. Everyone should work in an environment where they succeed and develop their talents without barriers. I share this mission with everyone working in the Labour Program.

Today’s conference gives us an opportunity to see just how far we have come in eliminating racial discrimination in all sectors of society, especially in workplaces.

It also gives us a chance to reflect on what we can improve, and, what remains to be done to achieve a society that is truly egalitarian and open to all. Racism, although often subtle, is still a fact of life in Canada and around the world. 

Although we have made enormous progress over the past decades, work remains to be done before Canada’s workplaces are truly racism-free. According to Statistics Canada, about 36 per cent of visible minorities have experienced unfair treatment or discrimination due to their ethnicity, race, language or religion. Of these, 56 per cent faced discrimination in the workplace.

This is not acceptable.

That is why the Labour Program, through the Racism-Free Workplace Strategy, is working with its partners to educate and engage Canadians about racism and the social and economic benefits of Employment Equity.

Last year, I travelled across the country, meeting employers and community groups, recognizing their efforts to promote racism-free workplaces, and encouraging everyone to keep up the good work.

Since then, we have been promoting racism-free workplaces in a number of ways. The program organizes awareness sessions, suggests best practices for employers and implements initiatives to eliminate discrimination.

In addition, regional racism prevention officers will soon assist us in our efforts. 

I encourage you to join us and to do everything within your power to ensure that workplaces are safe, healthy and free from discrimination. Barriers to personal achievement are unacceptable. Everyone should be able to make full use of their talents and skills, whatever the colour of their skin, culture or religion. No one should be left behind.

We must fight racism wherever we find it, inside or out of the workplace.

That is why our government is committed to promoting diversity within the context of a sound, solid Canadian identity. Therefore, our Government is investing millions in the Action Plan Against Racism.

Canada’s strength as a society, as an economy, and as a nation lies in its diversity, and with the skills of its workers.

In closing, I hope this forum today promotes engaging and fruitful discussions. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I salute your hard work and dedication in Breaking the Barriers. 

Have a great conference!

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Date Modified:

2007-11-06