News Release
For Immediate Release

Building a More Inclusive Canada: Hon. Mary Ng Announced Funding Through the Anti-Racism Action Program
December 17th, 2020 - Markham, Ontario – Heritage Canada

Strengthening diversity and inclusion is fundamental to encouraging and promoting a more inclusive society, where everyone can fully participate. Racism and all forms of discrimination are some of the main causes of social and economic barriers for many Canadians. While progress has been made, much more remains to be done to address the systemic barriers in institutions across the country.

Today, Hon. Mary Ng, Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill, on behalf of Hon. Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth announced $146,030 in funding for the project ‘Addressing Barriers to Justice, Employment and Social Participation for Muslims in Markham’. This project aims to enhance positive relationships between youth and the criminal justice system, increase social participation in the community and reduce employment barriers due to Islamophobia.

This project is among 85 recently announced through the Anti-Racism Action Program as part of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. Our government is providing $15 million to support local, regional, and national initiatives that address racism and discrimination in all forms.

We are fully committed to fighting all forms of racism and discrimination, wherever and whenever they occur.

Today’s announcement is just another step in our commitment to making Canada more inclusive and diverse place.

Quotes
“As a Member of Parliament for Markham-Thornhill, one of Canada’s most diverse ridings, I see first-hand the strength of diversity and the importance of celebrating and embracing our differences. Today’s announcement will go a long way in making our community a stronger and more inclusive place for everyone.”
– The Honourable Mary Ng, Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill

“Through Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, we are funding projects to combat racism in all its forms, including anti-Black racism. These projects will help address the systemic barriers that are preventing Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and religious minorities from participating fully and equitably in all aspects of society. We will continue our work as allies and partners with racialized communities to combat racism as we build a better and more inclusive society.”
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

“ARAP will assist ISM in addressing the barriers to Justice, Employment and Social Participation for Muslims in Markham. The Islamic Society of Markham is working towards creating a more inclusive Canada.”
– Ehsanullah Ehsan, Executive Director Islamic Society of Markham

Quick Facts

• Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy was unveiled on June 25, 2019 after extensive cross-country consultations, including 22 in-person sessions. The strategy is a $45-million investment to create long-term changes that support communities and improve policies, initiatives, and practices in our federal institutions.
• As part of the anti-racism strategy, a $15-million call for proposals for the new Anti-Racism Action Program launched on September 3, 2019 and closed on January 13, 2020.
• The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiative also received $15 million under the anti-racism strategy.
• Since 2018, the federal government has funded 663 events, 261 projects, and 77 organizations through CSMARI.
• The federal government also launched the new Anti-Racism Secretariat website, which will be a resource for all Canadians to find information on the work of the secretariat, upcoming events, and funding opportunities across government.
• The federal government is contributing $ 146,030 for the project ‘Addressing Barriers to Justice, Employment and Social Participation for Muslims’ here in Markham under the Anti-Racism Action Program to the Islamic Society of Markham.

Related Product
Anti-Racism Action Program

Associated Links
Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022
Islamic Society of Markham
Anti-Racism Secretariat

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Contact:
Haroon Sritharan
Office of Mary Ng, Member of Parliament for Markham–Thornhill
[email protected]
Tel: 905-479-8100
Fax: 905-479-3440