NDP leaders call for shield against racism and discrimination

Alexa McDonough, leader of the federal NDP, and Howard Hampton, leader of the Ontario NDP, at an interview with members of the Ethnic Press of Canada.  

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Leader Howard Hampton called for the Conservative government to implement antiracism policies to shield minority people and immigrants from discrimination.

            “The Conservative government needs more than an inappropriate ad to promote Ontario’s diversity. Practical steps need to be taken such as guidelines for the police, the civil services and the premier’s new security czar Lewis Mackenzie that ensure discrimination including racial profiling do not continue to take place,” said Hampton.

            Hampton made his statements during a meeting that he and federal NDP Leader Alexa McDonough had with Toronto ethno-cultural media. Participants discussed the Ontario Conservative and federal Liberal governments’ treatment of racial minorities and immigrants, in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

            “The Conservative government has yet to put in place policies to make sure that immigrants and minority people feel safe,” Hampton said. “Verbal and physical assaults are on-going. The government needs to acknowledge this and put in place policies and resources to combat the racism.”