WHITEHORSE - The following statement was issued by Premier Dennis Fentie to mark March 21, the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
"March 21 is a day to look back and reflect on the struggles aboriginal people and ethnic minorities have endured, and to celebrate the progress that has been made."
"We also must realize that all the battles are not won. Racism still exists, and we must continue our efforts to fight racial discrimination wherever it appears."
"We must continue to work with our young people, promoting cultural awareness in the schools and through youth programming."
"We must ensure that all our government programs and services don't discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity."
"The Yukon government is committed, through our representative public service plan, to working to ensure our workforce represents the diversity of Yukon people, and is free of the barrier of racial discrimination. We also provide cross-cultural training for government employees."
"I speak today on behalf of all my cabinet colleagues when I say that we are committed to fighting racial discrimination. We are committed to a vision where all Yukoners, regardless of their ancestry or appearance, can work, live, and participate fully in healthy, thriving communities."
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Contact:
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications Advisor
(867) 667-8688
peter.carr@gov.yk.ca