Guest Commentary
by Charan Gill
It is no surprise from the figures received from Stats Canada that racism is alive and well in Canada. It is also clearly evident from many surveys and researches that immigrants specifically immigrants of colour and third world countries are not welcome here. It is quite obvious that the Fraser Institute’s negative analysis of immigrant contribution does more harm than good for creating harmonious relationship in our population. This kind of faulty information excites many people and creates hatred towards immigrants. It is no surprise that all Caucasian immigrants consider it their right to be here because the country belongs to them. Our First Nations people have also been undermined each and every time as the powers that rule our country are not willing to give them their legitimate rights.
There are many pockets of racists in this country which exist in all cities and towns. They have their linkages and raise their ugly head when they get an issue hoping they may get acceptance in public. These groups can create a very dangerous situation in our multicultural community and they can inflame the situation as a result of which many people of color and ethnicity can get hurt.
Over the last forty years since I have been in this country, I have seen them constantly targeting various ethnic communities whenever they get negative publicity. We have to be very cognizant and alert to monitor their racist activities so that we can handle them when they come out in the open. These racists have international links with Nazis and alike. Some of them are supported by corporations.
In B.C. due to the lack of a Human Rights Commission, there appears to be no education against racism and hatred. It has been reported that B.C. does not have many complaints against racism.
This is not due to the lack of racist incidents but due to the lack of trust in the present structure and for the fear that they will not get a fair hearing therefore people do not complaints to Human Rights branch. We all know many cases go unreported because of a fear of reprisal.
It’s quite evident that we do need a strong Human Rights Commission with a mandate to educate the community and promote intercultural education so that different ethnic and cultural groups can foster more understanding and acceptance.
Charan Gill is the Chief Executive Officer of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society
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