Election or Not, Hate Should Never Be An Option

A statement from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation on Canada's 44th election

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) would like to congratulate all new and incumbent Members of Parliament. Being chosen to represent Canadians in parliament is a great privilege. The CRRF looks forward to working with all to eliminate racism in Canadian society.

A peaceful election season is something of which any country should be proud. However, the racism and hate we witnessed during this country's 44th election should give every Canadian pause, and we must honestly assess the damage and trauma that it triggered.

An election is a time where, regardless of one's party affiliation, beliefs or ideology, every citizen is granted both the right to vote and to run for public office without having to face discrimination, racism, or hatred in the voting booth or on the campaign trail. To be indifferent to the emotional and physical violence of racism will only serve to divide the country and erode our prized values outlined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

This election campaign has taught us that while we have made many gains towards our goal of a truly multicultural society, we still have a long way to go. We must work harder to assure Canadians of all different races, creeds, and colours are safe enough to have their voices heard locally, provincially, and federally without having to feel they don't belong.

Democracy is not an easy road to travel, but it is a necessary one for our country. We must work hard to ensure that our democracy exists in a space where human rights are both respected and ardently upheld. We must work together to confront hate in all its forms head-on. We must work together to hold those accountable who perpetuate hate speech in person and online.

Doing better is not an option-- it is a requirement for a more just society for our present and future.