March 21 is a reminder to eliminate racial discrimination

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination today reminds us to work together to create a more inclusive society.

Canada was one of first countries to support the 1966 United Nations declaration proclaiming March 21 as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. There are some 90 different ethnic groups in Prince Edward Island. 

“Prince Edward Island welcomes any and all people who are willing to help enrich and diversify our Island community,” Premier Wade MacLauchlan said. “We must raise our voices together against discrimination and continue to build a culture that strengthens racial harmony and embraces inclusiveness.”

Prince Edward Island's Public Service Diversity Policy supports creating a workplace that is free from discrimination. The Public Service Commission's annual diversity calendar is a daily reminder of the rich cultural makeup of our province, and its diversity consultant and Diversity Advisory Committee coordinate training and promotional activities for employees in the public service.

Ethnic groups in Prince Edward Island include its original inhabitants, the Mi'kmaq, as well as people of European descent. Members of the Lebanese community who first immigrated in the 1880s – as well as more recent Chinese immigrant communities – have become two of the largest ethnocultural groups on the Island. The province also welcomed 250 Syrian refugees in the past year.

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Media contact:
Wayne MacKinnon
Department of Finance
(902) 314-3407
wemackinnon@gov.pe.ca