Things to think about before March 2008

(Canscene) — March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has been diligently commemorated by Canadians since its inception.

But today, I’m forced to ask myself; what total effect has this day had on the nation as a whole?  The United Nations Committee on the  Elimination of Racial Discrimination in a recent report commends us for some of our efforts but finds us wanting in quite a few others. Among them are:

* Concerns that Canada isn’t making sufficient progress in tackling discrimination against aboriginal peoples who continue to face discrimination in employment and are under-represented in government offices and positions.

* A heightened rise of discrimination arising from security measures, although this report was made before the recent Supreme Court decision striking down security certificates.

* Police using a disproportionate amount of force against African Canadians.

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