Dear Editor,
Canada will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Confederation next year. During this time, it has transformed from a far-flung British and French colony to one of the most desirable countries to live in. Canada is well-known throughout the world as a very inclusive and welcoming country. Its emphasis on inclusion, mutual respect and cultural diversity is second to none. Canada was the first western country to officially adopt the policy of multiculturalism in 1971.
In addition to geographical, political and economic considerations, Canada’s policy of welcoming immigrants seems to be a major factor in making our country as one of the most desirable places to call home.
Richmond is considered to be one of the most multicultural communities in Canada. Its inhabitants, despite their various degrees of differences, get along well with each other. As a matter of fact, Richmond citizens consider its diversity as one of its major strengths. Perhaps it is this kind of positive coverage by the media that Richmond has attracted the attention of a very small but active racist element. Unfortunately, it always seems to be the negative act that makes news, outweighing the countless positive acts that occur daily in our lives.
Recently, Richmond’s Chinese-Canadian community has been targeted by this unsavoury element. Racist flyers aimed at the Chinese community and distributed to some households in Richmond have been roundly condemned by the city and community leadership.
Richmond Multicultural Community Services (RMCS) stands solidly with the community in condemning these flyers and the intent behind them.
RMCS has been serving Richmond for more than 30 years. It has always been in the forefront in promoting intercultural harmony, tolerance, inclusion and celebration.
RMCS is also pleased to be an active participant in the provincially sponsored program Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH). For more information, contact RMCS via phone, e-mail, our website or on Facebook.
Balwant Sanghera
President, Richmond Multicultural Community Services
