NDP: Ford must invest in anti-racism, stand against rising tide of white supremacy

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP MPPs Rima Berns-McGown (Beaches—East York), Peter Tabuns (Toronto—Danforth), Suze Morrison (Toronto Centre) and Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre, and Anti-Racism Critic) released the following statement in response to news that two nooses were found at Michael Garron Hospital’s construction site:

“No one should have to contend with racism or fear for their safety in their place of work. But shamefully, this cowardly act of hatred is not an isolated incident – these aren’t even the only nooses to be found at this particular construction site. In fact, they are two of seven nooses found on GTA construction sites over just the past few months.

It is important to understand these acts in the larger context of the threat of white supremacy and racism. The recent murder of Mohamed-Aslim Zafis by a Neo-Nazi outside the International Muslim Organization mosque where he volunteered – a clear act of Islamophobic hate – is another painful example of this disturbing trend.

All of us must be vigilant and commit – as neighbours, Ontarians and Canadians – to standing together against hatred wherever we see it. Government has a critical leadership role to play in pushing back against racism.

The Ford government needs to start taking this grave threat seriously, reverse its harmful cuts and actually invest in vital, anti-racism work across the province, including the Anti-Racism Directorate that Doug Ford demolished. This also means taking a leadership role to support employers, unions and Black, Indigenous and racialized workers, and ensure that work sites are safe for everyone. All workers deserve to feel safe on the job, and should not have to fear speaking up when they feel unsafe.”