The 25th anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement

TORONTO, September 20, 2013 / CNW / - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) joins the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement, signed between the Government of Canada and the NAJC, under the leadership of then President, Art Miki.

"The Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement represents a milestone in the history of our country, in which the human rights violations Canada committed in the past were acknowledged," remarked Albert Lo, Chairperson of the CRRF. "It constituted a model on which other Redress Agreements with Chinese Canadians, Aboriginal peoples who attended Residential Schools, and affected communities acknowledged through this Government's Community Historical Recognition Programme, have built", he continued.

"The celebration of this remarkable achievement allows us to continue to remember the past and to acknowledge the historical injustices and racism which were sanctioned by the state. New initiatives undertaken by the CRRF and other organizations will permit Canadians to monitor ongoing race relations issues, to identify those that are emerging and require urgent attention, and develop means to ensure social harmony and justice", Lo stated.

The Agreement, which was signed on September 22, 1988 "acknowledge[s] that the treatment of Japanese Canadians during and after World War II was unjust and violated principles of human rights as they are understood today; pledge[s] to ensure, to the full extent that its powers allow, that such events will not happen again; and recognize[s], with great respect, the fortitude and determination of Japanese Canadians who, despite great stress and hardship, retain their commitment and loyalty to Canada and contribute so richly to the development of the Canadian nation."

"The CRRF shares a special pride in the 25th Anniversary celebrations as the Foundation was created as one outcome of the Redress Agreement," added Rubin Friedman, Spokesperson for the CRRF. "Over the last 16 years, the CRRF has established itself as the leading resource and facilitator for all Canadians on current and emerging issues affecting race relations in Canada, and 'best practices' to address them", he continued.
"We look forward to continuing this vital role in helping create a Canada built on the principles of equality and social justice."

"Congratulations to the NAJC and to Art Miki, NAJC Representative to the CRRF Board, who played such an important role in helping to achieve an Agreement whose significance we are only beginning to understand", said Albert Lo. "We look forward to a long and fruitful association."