"We can't pretend racism doesn't exist here": Trudeau

Jun 1 2020, 4:07 pm

During Monday’s daily address to Canadians regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took the time to address anti-Black racism in Canada, as well as the protests that have been taking place since the death of George Floyd.

In a graphic video posted to social media on May 26, 46-year-old Floyd was heard repeatedly saying that he cannot breathe while being held down by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Several protests condemning the act took place in Canada over the weekend, including in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Trudeau called on Canadians and other leaders around the world to take action against all forms of racism.

“For far too many Canadians, the images and stories out of the United States are all too familiar, he said. “As a country, we can’t pretend racism doesn’t exist here. Anti-Black racism is real. Unconscious bias is real. Systemic discrimination is real. And they happen here in Canada.”

He added that anti-Black racism is a lived reality for millions of Canadians every day.

“We need to do better,” he said. “We need to work in our daily lives to counter discrimination, intolerance.”

“Over the weekend, we saw thousands of people join together in peaceful protests against anti-Black racism. Canadians are sending the message that they would never tolerate injustice.”

Trudeau also said that “the status quo where people face violence because of their skin is unacceptable” and that he understands the concerns of Black Canadians.

“To young Black Canadians, I hear you when you say that you are anxious,” he says. “I want you to know that I am listening and your government will always stand together.”

“I hear you. I hear your anger, concern, and pain; I hear you when you say this brings back painful experiences of racism.

Finally, he touched upon individuals who disrupted the peaceful protests and “caused havoc” saying that “we condemn them.”

Trudeau’s statement comes a few days after a Black Toronto woman fell to her death from the balcony of a 24th-floor apartment building. The family of Regis Korchinski-Paquet is alleging police were involved while a petition called “Justice for Regis Korchinski-Paquet” has already garnered over 147,000 signatures.

With files from Alyssa Therrien and Jacqueline Leung. 

Vincent PlanaVincent Plana

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