Canada is a multicultural country and Canadians are fortunate to live peacefully and harmoniously with each other. Yet, we still have tremendous work ahead of us and much to do before we can eliminate discrimination from our society.
Though every Canadian is supposed to be equal and enjoys the same treatment and rights under our constitution, visible minority groups do face discrimination and encounter numerous barriers in employment and promotional opportunities.
Canada has a history of discrimination against non Europeans coming to its soil. To prevent some from coming to the land, in 1906, immigrants landing in Canada were required to pay a head tax but it varied greatly among the different races, e.g.
Each South Asian immigrant paid $200.00
Each Chinese immigrant paid $500.00
Each Caucasian immigrant paid $ 25.00
$200.00 was equal to a man's one year wage at the time!
We knew there was blatant discrimination then but unfortunately, there is still discrimination today but it is manifested differently.
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| Ranjit - founding President of E-Race |
For example, in Ontario's Peel region, while racialized people make up 55% of the population, 56% of the residents is of South Asian decent. A disturbing 32% of this group experienced discrimination and there seemed to be an increased number of racism incidents.
In a democratic society, its citizens need to be represented and have their voices heard at the government and political level. However, there is a huge gap with visible minority groups of how they are represented in Canada.
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| Guest speakers at the E race Launch |
For instance, Avi Rakhra, one of the speakers, informed us though South Asian Canadians make up 35% of the population in Brampton and 21% in the city of Mississauga, their representation in the provincial legislature is only 7 % and that only 3 % of South Asians were on the Sunshine list ( A list that list all the employees working for government and their agencies with an annual salary over $100,000.00.)
E-Race is borne out of the dedication and passion of a group of South East Asians determined to address these inequitable issues, to advocate for equity and change, to provide professional training, resources and support to victims of discrimination.
Today was a special day for many South Asians in Peel region as E- Race was launched this evening. Ranjit Khatkur, the Founding President ( a retired public school vice principal) and the Executive Team delivered eloquent speeches and shared with the attendees their touching stories, experiences and vision of the organization.
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| Friends and Some of the E Race Executives |
E-Race will provide a platform for people especially South Asians to speak out and speak up about racial incidents, unfair treatment and discriminatory employment practices.
It is R-Race's goal to advocate for inclusion and diversity in the community and impacting institutional change.
Canada consistently has been ranked as one of the best countries to live in the world. It is because of organizations such as CCNC, Urban Alliances, ACENET and now E-Race that continue to challenge the traditional discriminatory practices of government and institutions. Hopefully, through the work of these organizations, change has and will continue to take place in government/ institutional policy, hiring, attitude and behavior , consequently, our Canadian ideal as a Just Society can be realized.
My heartfelt congratulations to E-Race and its Executives on the birth of the organization.
My sincere hope that all Canadians will work together and work towards the goals of a truly Just Society and equity for all!
R.T.
At the E-Race Launch
Mississauga, Ontario
