QUEEN'S PARK — The NDP has tabled a bill to make May 10 an annual provincial Day of Action on Anti-Asian Racism. On Monday, Doug Ford’s Conservative MPPs prevented its immediate passage — but the NDP says it won’t give up.
Co-sponsored by NDP MPPs Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale—High Park), Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre), Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale) and Chris Glover (Spadina—Fort York), the bill to establish May 10 as a Day of Action on anti-Asian racism emphasizes the urgent need to call out rising discrimination, harassment and hate crimes targeting Asian people.
"Anti-Asian racism is unfortunately not new, but it is on the rise," Karpoche said. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 1,150 incidents of anti-Asian racism were reported across Canada. We know that violence against the Asian community has increased, and that 40 per cent of these racist attacks happened here in Ontario.
"The Ford government should have supported this urgent and crucial need for a day of action and awareness immediately, but the NDP won't be deterred. We will keep fighting for this bill, and fighting to put an end to the rising tide of anti-Asian racism and systemic discrimination, ensuring that people in Asian communities across the province are respected, safe and supported. This bill is one good step forward.”
In addition to declaring May 10 a Day of Action on Anti-Asian Racism, the NDP is urging Doug Ford to immediately:
- Implement a province-wide anti-racism strategy that specifically addresses the rise in anti-Asian hate and works to dismantle organized hate groups and systemic discrimination.
- Establish a fully-funded, independent and empowered Anti-Racism Secretariat to take the lead on this critical work.
- Mandate race-based data collection across all provincial ministries.
- Create a real COVID-19 equity plan that ensures the hardest hit communities – including Asian communities, elders, women, small businesses, and essential workers – get the respect and direct financial support they deserve to recover from the pandemic.