VICTORIA— John Horgan, Leader of B.C.’s New Democrats, issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“Today we join together in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“But fighting racism isn’t something we can do just one day a year. It takes ongoing commitment, especially in the face of rising hatred that threatens our friends and neighbours with violence and discrimination.

“That’s why I’ve committed to bringing back British Columbia’s Human Rights Commission. Right now, we’re the only province in the country that doesn’t have one.

“At a time when people are distributing hateful flyers in our communities we need real action and real leadership from government to fight racialized hatred.

“People from all backgrounds need to know that their government will treat them equally and protect them from violence and discrimination. Human Rights Commissions exist to make sure that happens.

“I hope that one day we won’t need a Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, or, by extension, Human Rights Commissions. But, until that happens, we must continue to recognize the need for ongoing action to end racism. It’s not something we can tackle with sentiments issued once a year.

“We each have a responsibility to do our part to end racism in our province and our communities. By coming together across our differences to celebrate our diversity, by building unity, we make our province a better place for everyone.”