Systemic racism can no longer be denied in Ontario

BY PAUL JUNOR

The pernicious and pervasiveness of anti-black racism has been acknowledged within Canada by many levels of government.

The RCMP commissioner Brenda Lucki, who initially denied the reality of systemic racism in Canada’s national force retracted and admitted that it did. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau recognized its existence during Black History Month, 2019.  Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario initially denied it on June 2^nd, admitted on CP24 on Thursday, June 4^th,”Our history is different than the United States, but we have our own history of racism here in Ontario. You can go back 60 or 70 years. People out there are feeling pain. These issues are deeply rooted; they stem from a history of racism and abuse.”

Peel which includes: Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga has about 50% of people identify as a visible minority according to statistics quoted in the June 15^th issue of the Caledon Enterprise. Peel Council introduced a resolution that stated outright that there is an anti-black racism crisis in the region and that there is resolve to erase it. According to Johanns Downey, Caledon Regional Councillor, “It is time to act. Our school board is on fire. Our black community is suffering. We have a lot to do,” (Caledon Enterprise).

In the words of Bancy Polsinelli (Peel’s interim Chief Administrative) stated, “We may be miles away, but the issues are not new to us. They are being seen in a new light .We know action is needed.”

Peel region is expected to have a community well-being and safety plan in place by Jan 1^st, 2021. It will involve, “Engaging black communities to address racial inequities related to COVID-19, providing funding to mental health/housing/harm reduction programs for marginalized communities and ensuring social agencies in Peel that serve the black community are funded equitably through the region,” (Caledon Enterprise). In addition, there will be several town hall meetings that will be held over the summer focusing on addressing systemic racism with the area municipalities.

In the City of Toronto, a motion was passed by the Board of Health to recognize “Anti-black racism as a public health crisis” (Global News, June 8^th, 2020). According to councillor Joe Cressy, “Anti-black racism is a public health crisis. Black Torontonians are twice as likely to live in poverty than visible minorities. 40% of black children live in poverty compared to 15% of non-racialized children. That’s a public health crisis. Black women earn 57% for every dollar than non-racialized men earn, that’s a public health crisis.”

Toronto Mayor’s John Tory has given full support to the city’s board of health to focus on rearranging resources to address the social determinants of health with respect to ta racialized minorities. He has indicated that he is open to recommendations for the 2021 budget given the challenges that are placed on the city due to the fallout from CIVID-19. The focus will be on tracking anti-black racism in the community.

A coalition of black health leaders called on the Ontario government to declare that there is a public health crisis in the province. The joint statement reads, “We cannot be silent in the face of on-going horror black people are experiencing in Ontario, across Canada, and in the United States.” Liben Gentemikarel, Executive Director of TAIBU Community Centre called for diversity on the board of health, and has requested a 10-year anti-black racism action plan, as well as an anti-black racism initiative.

There is positive momentum to significant and long-lasting solutions to social, political and economic problems that affect the chances and opportunities of racialized minorities.