Contributed by MOSAIC’s Centre for Diversity Team.
March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination—a critical call to action in the fight against systemic racism, an effort MOSAIC leads every day.
While progress has been made in diversity and inclusion across Canada, racism and discrimination persist. This day challenges us to do more for BIPOC communities, racialized immigrants, and all those we serve. Today, we take a moment to recognize these challenges and highlight programs that foster equality, inclusivity, and belonging for all.
The Story Behind March 21
The importance of this day traces back to March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa, when police opened fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting apartheid’s unjust “pass laws.” Sixty-nine people lost their lives. This tragedy became a turning point in the global fight against racial inequity.
But racial injustice is not just a distant history. It is also part of Canada’s past and present. The impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities, as well as historical policies like the Chinese Head Tax and the Komagata Maru incident, serve as reminders of the systemic barriers many communities have faced.
March 21 is not just a historical event—it is a reminder of our responsibility to confront these injustices, dismantle systemic racism, and build a truly inclusive and equitable society.
Racial Discrimination: An Ongoing Issue
Racial discrimination occurs when people are treated unfairly because of their race, ethnicity, skin color, language, or religion. While Canada is recognized for its multiculturalism, Indigenous and racialized communities still experience discrimination in many aspects of life.
Racial discrimination does not exist in isolation—it often intersects with other forms of oppression, such as gender, socioeconomic status, disability, and immigration status. These overlapping barriers can deepen inequities, making it even more difficult for marginalized individuals to access opportunities, resources, and justice.
Some ongoing issues include:
- Workplace Discrimination: Racialized professionals often face barriers to career growth, lower pay, and a lack of representation in leadership roles. For newcomers, these challenges are compounded by credential recognition barriers, language bias, and the growing rhetoric that frames immigration as a strain rather than a contribution to society.
- Education Gaps: School curriculums often overlook or simplify the histories and perspectives of racialized groups, leaving students without a full understanding of past and present injustices.
- Unequal Treatment in the Justice System: Racial profiling and the overrepresentation of Indigenous and Black individuals in prisons point to deep-rooted biases.
- Barriers in Housing and Healthcare: Racialized and immigrant communities frequently face discrimination in securing safe housing and accessing culturally sensitive healthcare. Language barriers and biases against newcomers further limit access to essential services, making it harder for them to navigate systems that should provide support.
These inequalities don’t just affect individuals—they weaken our communities and economy. Workplace discrimination costs the Canadian economy billions of dollars annually by limiting productivity and underutilizing skilled professionals. A report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives highlights how racism in the job market lowers productivity and slows economic growth. When people are denied fair access to jobs, housing, and education, society as a whole pays the price.
Real change requires ongoing commitment and action.
Supporting Racialized Immigrants: Key Initiatives and Services
At MOSAIC, we believe that solutions must go beyond raising awareness—they must create tangible pathways for equity. Our Centre for Diversity offers vital programs tailored to fostering inclusion and empowering underrepresented groups.
The Social and Civic Opportunities: Pathways to Equity (SCOPE) program aims to equip racialized immigrants with tools, training, and opportunities to amplify their voices and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
What SCOPE offers:
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Training to increase cultural awareness and equip participants with the tools to challenge power dynamics in white-dominated spaces.
- Board Fundamentals and Community Engagement sessions to help participants serve effectively on decision-making boards and committees.
- Access to the iCan Network, a supportive peer-led platform to connect, share, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Complementing SCOPE, the CONNECT program encourages immigrants to actively engage in civic and social initiatives, fostering belonging and empowerment.
Notable features include:
- Community Engagement Sessions designed to promote intercultural understanding through collaborative discussions.
- Regional Collaboration Groups for sharing best practices and experiences that improve civic engagement.
- Visionary Leadership & Community Engagement Conference, addressing systemic barriers and equitable representation.
Together, these programs provide racially marginalized communities with tools to be seen, heard, and valued, strengthening their roles in shaping an inclusive Canada.
Supporting Organizations with Diversity Services
For organizations, adopting diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies is no longer optional—it’s essential. The Centre for Diversity empowers workplaces to create equitable environments through customized workshops and guidance tailored to their unique concerns and goals.
Studies show that diverse organizations:
- Are twice as likely to meet financial goals.
- Foster innovation by tapping into diverse perspectives.
- Attract and retain top talent by cultivating equitable workplace policies.
Through workshops on topics like unconscious bias, cultural fluency, and anti-racism practices, organizations can ensure their teams are equipped to foster workplace harmony and innovation. By integrating mentorship programs, retention strategies, and leadership training, workplaces can go beyond awareness and actively support the career growth and success of racialized employees.
How You Can Take a Stand Against Racial Discrimination
Lasting change requires collective action. Here’s how you can contribute to combat racial discrimination:
- Educate Yourself
Learn about Canada’s history of racial discrimination and listen to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. Understanding is the first step toward meaningful change, but the work does not end there—it requires continuous reflection and examination of ourselves and the systems around us.
Explore resources such as:
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) for research and reports on racial equity,
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Reports to understand the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities,
The Anti-Racism Action Program (ARAP) for government initiatives addressing systemic racism,
And books like Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard and 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph for deeper insights into racial justice issues in Canada.
- Speak Up
Silence allows discrimination to persist. Whether it’s challenging workplace bias, advocating for inclusive curricula, or confronting everyday microaggressions, using your voice is powerful.
- Support Communities
Get involved with organizations that promote racial equity. Volunteer, donate, and amplify their work within your networks.
- Advocate for Equity
Push for anti-racism initiatives in your schools, workplaces, and communities. Support inclusive practices that leave no one behind.
A Shared Future Rooted in Equity
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our shared responsibility in dismantling racial inequality. Whether through individual actions, workplace initiatives, or community programs, we each hold the power to drive progress.
To learn more about how you or your organization can get involved, connect with the Centre for Diversity or explore programs like SCOPE and CONNECT. Progress happens when we work together.
