Counteracting stereotypes during the COVID-19 pandemic; Peel Multicultural Council releases timely anti-racism project

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been over 45 years that the Peel Multicultural Council (PMC) has been at the forefront of addressing issues, concerns and challenges of the immigrant communities in the Region of Peel. Since its launch in 1977 it has provided resources, programs and services that have helped racialized and marginalized communities excel and thrive.

The mission of PMC is simply to promote a harmonious multicultural society in Peel. March 17^th, 2023, Rahul Mehta, consultant with PMC contacted the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper with respect to the findings of an anti-racism project. PMC has been doing important work, which has made a difference in the lives of many racialized minorities in the Region of Peel (Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon). The motto of PMC is “Helping people reach their goals.”

Some of the FREE services offered by PMC to newcomers in the Region of Peel are:

Immigrant Settlements and Adaptation Program (ISAP)

• Helps new immigrants settle and integrate into Canadian society so they may become participating members as soon as possible

Job Search Workshops (JSW)

• Gives newcomers to Canada a cutting edge in their pursuit to find suitable employment

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• Teaches English to newcomers while learning how to integrate into the community

Enhanced Language Training (ELT)

• Assist internationally trained professionals in entering and remaining in their field of work

HOST- Newcomer Mentoring Program

• HOST program partners newcomers’ families with a mentor to help them settle into society and create lasting friendships

HYP – Host Youth Program

• Newcomer youths will gain the emotional and social support through matchmaking and by participating in social group activities

The PMC’s Anti-Racism Project was made possible largely due to funding from the Canadian Heritage, and prepared by the Amplify Engagement. The final report was dated August – December 2022. The report is titled, “Empowering Racialized Communities in Peel,” and it was largely conducted to counteract racist and stereotypical stereotypes that was perpetrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Peel Region was labelled a “hotspot” due to the disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases. The purpose of the project was to “Enhance Peel’s Region’s racialized communities, capacity to challenge negative attitudes and narratives during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Information was obtained from: three focus groups, three educational webinars, and social media campaign that contributed to the findings.

The 34-page project clearly delineates the context in which it arises due to the prevailing negative stereotypes that were promulgated during the throes of the pandemic.

The project highlighted the following changes, which are needed to create a more equitable and respectful society:

• Create avenues for community voices and leaders at decision-making tables
• Report responsibility in mainstream media
• Understand the importance of political messaging
• Increase public health education and transparency
• Improve cultural literacy to change attitudes
• Provide better opportunities for immigrants and newcomers to integrate
• Responsible governance
• Support each other within our value systems

I interviewed Jagdeep Kailey on Thursday, March 23^rd, 2023, regarding the anti-racism project. He told me that the most important aspect of the project is that it will be a means of building bridges of understanding in order to overcome the negative stereotypes that were perpetrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was important that we tell the stories from the common man.” This speaks to the grass-roots nature of the PMC, which has been directly committed to capturing the essence of the Peel region. He states that the Project validates the experiences and voices of Peel residents, and counteracts the stereotypes that were perpetrated by those in mainstream media.

Details of the anti-racism project can be seen in its entirety with the infographics at: https://www.peelmic.ca/amti-racism-project/