Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne celebrates Black History Month

[Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, is seen in the Cabinet Room at Queen’s Park. She speaks to the camera.]

KATHLEEN WYNNE >> Hi, I'm Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario. This year marks the 20th anniversary of

Black History Month in Canada. [En français] Cette année marque le vingtième anniversaire du mois de l'Histoire des noires au Canada. [In English] This milestone is a time to celebrate and teach people about the important contributions black Ontarians have made to our province and to our country.

And in reflecting on the successes and challenges of the past, Black History Month also calls on us to confront obstacles the black community still faces in Ontario. As we build our communities up through investments in education, social services, poverty reduction and childcare, we need to challenge the institutional and societal barriers that, after decades of progress, still allow racism to create unfair outcomes. We know in our hearts that we are one Ontario, but we also know that deeply entrenched biases are still at work, disadvantaging entire communities. That's unacceptable.

Now more than ever, in light of recent global events, we need to stand united against the threat of racism. And say to government and to all of Ontario that there is more work to be done on racial equity. It's why we're currently looking at options for the province to create a formal mechanism mandated to advance racial equity as we have done for gender equity.

I have fought for equality my whole life, so I know government needs to play a leading role, just as I know how important stories of our past are in shaping our future. And Black History Month is it time to tell those stories that for too long were not told. It's a time to tell the stories of extraordinary Canadians, who refused to waver in their pursuit of equality, freedom, and justice. We must listen to the voices of black leadership, past and present. We must do more to curb the prejudiced attitudes that build barriers between people and between communities. And we must find new ways of embracing the ambition, creativity and limitless potential of our black youth.

So this February, and every month after it, I'm encouraging the people of Canada to stand together against racism and inequality. [En français] En fevrier, et chaque mois par la suite, j'invite tous les canadiens faire un commune contre la racisme et l'inégalité. [In English] And reaffirm our commitment to building a society founded on the principles of social justice. On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I wish you all the very best as we honour the vision of black leaders who came before us, by working together to fulfill their promise to future generations.

Thank you, merci, meegwetch.

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