York Region Liberal caucus speaks out on anti-Asian racism following shooting in Atlanta

Acknowledging that there is a problem is only the first step': statement

Yorkregion.com
April 19, 2021

The York Region Liberal caucus has spoken out on anti-Asian racism following the shooting in Atlanta, Ga., in late March that left eight people of Asian decent dead.

On April 6, MPs from municipalities across the region --Markham-Thornhill, Markham-Stouffville, Vaughan-Woodbridge, King-Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Newmarket-Aurora --released a statement on the issue.

The statement was as follows:

"Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community members of Asian descent have faced increased anti-Asian racism and discrimination, exacerbated by the spread of misinformation and false statements associated with the virus.

"The shooting in Atlanta earlier this month was horrifying, and our thoughts go out to the families and communities affected. At the same time, we know Canada is not immune to anti-Asian racism. Despite the progress we have made to combat racism and discrimination in Canada, for too many, anti-Asian racism is a familiar experience and a lived reality, and we have seen the sharp rise in reports of such incidents across the country amid this pandemic.

"Acknowledging that there is a problem is only the first step; a society that is free from racism and discrimination requires ongoing commitment. As we work to build a more inclusive Canada for all, we must commit ourselves to taking action by challenging and confronting racism and discrimination in all of its forms, wherever it is found: whether online, on our streets, in our homes or in our workplaces, we all have a role to play in preventing and stopping the spread of stigma and hate.

"Our ridings are some of the most diverse in Canada. We are committed to working with all community members to be a part of the solution and achieve meaningful, long-lasting change. Hate and intolerance has no place in Canada.

"To the Canadians of Asian descent across York Region, and Canada, we stand with you as fellow Asian-Canadians and as allies, ready to listen and learn from your lived experiences, and take action against anti-Asian racism in ways big and small."

Yorkregion.com reached out to Charlotte Lee, an assistant professor from Ryerson University who took on a research project along with a band of other professors to look into how the Chinese community is coping during the outbreak, for a comment on whether or not their research led to any new findings in connection with anti-Asian racism.

Lee said no new information since their report year was available, and that a new set of interviews would be conducted soon which she hopes will shed light on the current situation.

Here is the full story on the research study: www.yorkregion.com/news-story/9986554-ryerson-study-looks-at-discrimination-in-york-region-gta-during-covid-19-pandemic.