Fighting Intolerance

Canada has a reputation as a place where people from every corner of the world can live in harmony with mutual respect and tolerance. That reputation is well-deserved. But in the fall of 2001, our respect for each other was put to the test. In some ways, our response was admirable; in other ways, not so.

The invidious accusation of guilt by association raised its head, even on newspaper editorial pages. There were attacks against Canadians of Arab origin, Muslims, and others. Places of worship — Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu — were defaced, and in one instance, burned to the ground. People on the street were subjected to racist taunts because of the way they dressed, looked, or sounded.

On the positive side, there was welcome support from religious leaders, politicians, artists and musicians, and most importantly, everyday citizens for the need to counter intolerance and xenophobia.

The Commission is working with other agencies, including provincial human rights commissions, to educate people on the root causes of intolerance and how to fight racism. But such institutions lack the human and financial resources to do all of this urgent work. Calls for increased resources for security were responded to with alacrity in the fall of 2001. The Commission does not question the need for this. Is it not, however, equally important to ensure that the very intolerance that the terrorists preach is not allowed to take root in Canada? The Commission thinks so and urges the Government to act accordingly.

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