Canada is known for its multiculturalism and diversity, and it is often considered a safe haven for those seeking refuge from persecution and discrimination. However, the country has a long history of systemic racism and discrimination against people of colour, which often goes unnoticed or ignored. The experiences of people of colour in Canada are often unheard of and unseen, which has resulted in a lack of awareness and action toward addressing these issues.
In this article, we will explore Canada’s treatment of people of color, highlighting some of the key issues faced by these communities.
Historical Context:
Canada’s history of discrimination against people of colour can be traced back to its colonial past, where the Indigenous people were subjected to genocide and forced assimilation. The country’s immigration policies were also designed to exclude non-white immigrants, with the Chinese, South Asians, and Blacks facing significant barriers to entry. This exclusionary approach continued well into the 20th century, with the government’s policies aimed at maintaining a predominantly white society.
Racism in Canada Today:
While Canada is often praised for its multiculturalism and diversity, racism and discrimination are still pervasive in the country. People of color continue to face significant barriers in accessing employment, housing, education, and healthcare, with Indigenous peoples being the most affected. Systemic racism is deeply ingrained in Canadian society, with many institutions, policies, and practices perpetuating inequality and discrimination.
The Legacy of Colonialism
Canada’s treatment of people of color is closely tied to its colonial history. Indigenous people were the original inhabitants of Canada, but they were displaced and mistreated by European colonizers. This legacy of colonialism has had lasting impacts on the treatment of people of color in Canada. Indigenous people continue to face systemic racism and discrimination, and their communities experience high rates of poverty, unemployment, and violence.
The Impact of Immigration
Immigration has been a significant driver of Canada’s population growth and economic success. However, the treatment of immigrants, particularly those of color, has been far from perfect. Immigrants of color face a range of challenges in Canada, including discrimination in the job market, barriers to accessing education and healthcare, and a lack of recognition of their qualifications and experience.
The Experiences of Black Canadians
Black Canadians have a long and complex history in Canada. Black people were brought to Canada as slaves and were later emancipated, but they continued to face racism and discrimination. Today, Black Canadians continue to experience racism in a variety of forms, including racial profiling, police brutality, and employment discrimination. The Black Lives Matter movement has brought renewed attention to these issues, but there is still much work to be done to address systemic racism and discrimination.
The Rise of Anti-Asian Racism
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a rise in anti-Asian racism in Canada. Asians, particularly those of East Asian descent, have been the targets of racist attacks and hate crimes. This racism is rooted in xenophobia and ignorance, and it has been exacerbated by political rhetoric and media coverage. The Asian community has responded with calls for greater awareness and action to combat racism and discrimination.
Islamophobia in Canada
Islamophobia is a growing problem in Canada, fueled in part by global events such as the war on terror and the rise of far-right politics. Muslim Canadians face discrimination and harassment in a range of areas, including employment, housing, and access to public services. Islamophobia has also led to hate crimes and violence against Muslim Canadians. There is a need for greater education and understanding to combat this form of racism and discrimination.
Police Brutality:
Police brutality against people of color is a significant issue in Canada, with Black and Indigenous people being disproportionately targeted. The death of George Floyd in the US sparked protests against police brutality in Canada, with people demanding accountability and reform within the police force. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has a history of using excessive force against Indigenous peoples, with several cases of police violence resulting in injury or death.
Discrimination in the Workplace:
People of color also face discrimination in the workplace, with racialized individuals being underrepresented in higher-paying jobs and overrepresented in low-wage sectors. Discrimination in hiring and promotions is a significant issue, with people of color often being passed over for jobs despite having the necessary qualifications. Microaggressions and harassment are also prevalent in the workplace, with many individuals experiencing racial slurs and discriminatory comments.
Healthcare Disparities:
People of color also face significant disparities in healthcare, with Indigenous peoples being the most affected. Indigenous peoples have higher rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, and have poorer health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Canadians. They also face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services, with many living in remote and isolated communities with limited access to medical facilities.
Education Inequality:
Education inequality is another significant issue faced by people of color in Canada, with Indigenous students having lower graduation rates and higher dropout rates than non-Indigenous students. The education system has also been criticized for its lack of representation and inclusion of Indigenous cultures and history, with many schools still teaching a Eurocentric curriculum. This lack of representation and inclusion can have a significant impact on Indigenous students’ self-esteem and academic achievement.
Hate Crimes:
Hate crimes against people of color are also on the rise in Canada, with Muslims and Sikhs being the most targeted. The 2017 Quebec mosque shooting, where six Muslim men were killed while praying, highlighted the rising Islamophobia in the country. Racism and xenophobia are also prevalent in political discourse, with many politicians using divisive rhetoric to appeal to their base.
One step towards addressing these issues is acknowledging the country’s history of colonialism and genocide against Indigenous peoples and taking steps toward reconciliation. This includes implementing the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and addressing the ongoing issues faced by Indigenous peoples, such as the lack of clean drinking water and access to healthcare services.
Another step towards addressing systemic racism in Canada is implementing policies and practices aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society. This includes creating policies to address discrimination in the workplace, improving access to healthcare services for marginalized communities, and increasing representation and inclusion of diverse cultures in education and media.
Lastly, it is essential to recognize and address the rise of hate crimes and xenophobia in Canada. This includes condemning hate speech and discriminatory actions, promoting intercultural understanding and dialogue, and implementing policies to prevent and respond to hate crimes.
Conclusion
Canada’s treatment of people of color is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to addressing systemic racism and discrimination. While there have been some positive steps toward promoting diversity and inclusion in recent years, there is still a long way to go toward creating a truly equitable and just society for all Canadians. It is up to all of us to take action toward promoting social justice and creating a better future for all residents of Canada.
Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Tyson Philpot has announced he will be out for the rest of the CFL season.
The Delta, B.C., native posted the news on his Instagram page Thursday.
“To Be Continued. Shoutout my team, the fans of the CFL and the whole city of Montreal! I can’t wait to be back healthy and write this next chapter in 2025,” the statement read.
Philpot, 24, injured his foot in a 33-23 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Aug. 10 and was placed on the six-game injured list the next week.
The six-foot-one, 195-pound receiver had 58 receptions, 779 yards and five touchdowns in nine games for the league-leading Alouettes in his third season.
Philpot scored the game-winning touchdown in Montreal’s Grey Cup win last season to punctuate a six-reception, 63-yard performance.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2024.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion for the third time in his NFL career, leaving his team’s game Thursday night against Buffalo after running into defensive back Damar Hamlin and hitting the back of his head against the turf.
Tagovailoa remained down for about two minutes before getting to his feet and walking to the sideline after the play in the third quarter. He made his way to the tunnel not long afterward, looking into the stands before smiling and departing toward the locker room.
The Dolphins needed almost no time before announcing it was a concussion. The team said he had two during the 2022 season, and Tagovailoa was diagnosed with another concussion when he was a college player at Alabama.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa would get “proper procedural evaluation” and “appropriate care” on Friday.
“The furthest thing from my mind is, ‘What is the timeline?’ We just need to evaluate and just worry about my teammate, like the rest of the guys are,” McDaniel said. “We’ll get more information tomorrow and take it day by day from here.”
Some players saw Tagovailoa in the locker room after the game and said they were encouraged. Tagovailoa spoke with some players and then went home after the game, McDaniel said.
“I have a lot of love for Tua, built a great relationship with him,” said quarterback Skylar Thompson, who replaced Tagovailoa after the injury. “You care about the person more than the player and everybody in the organization would say the same thing. Just really praying for Tua and hopefully everything will come out all right.”
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212 million extension before this season — a deal that makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL — and was the NFL’s leading passer in Week 1 this season. Tagovailoa left with the Dolphins trailing 31-10, and that was the final score.
“If you know Tua outside of football, you can’t help but feel for him,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said on Amazon following the game. “He’s a great football player but he’s an even greater human being. He’s one of the best humans on the planet. I’ve got a lot of love for him and I’m just praying for him and his family, hoping everything’s OK. But it’s tough, man. This game of football that we play, it’s got its highs and it’s got its lows — and this is one of the lows.”
Tagovailoa’s college years and first three NFL seasons were marred by injury, though he positioned himself for a big pay bump with an injury-free and productive 2023 as he led the Dolphins into the playoffs. He threw for 29 touchdowns and a league-best 4,624 yards last year.
When, or if, he can come back this season is anyone’s guess. Tagovailoa said in April 2023 that the concussions he had in the 2022 season left him contemplating his playing future. “I think I considered it for a time,” he said then, when asked if he considered stepping away from the game to protect himself.
McDaniel said it’s not his place to say if Tagovailoa should return to football. “He’ll be evaluated and we’ll have conversations and progress as appropriate,” McDaniel said.
Tagovailoa was hurt Thursday on a fourth-down keeper with about 4:30 left in the third. He went straight ahead into Hamlin and did not slide, leading with his right shoulder instead.
Hamlin was the player who suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle during a Monday night game in January 2023 at Cincinnati, causing the NFL to suspend a pivotal game that quickly lost significance in the aftermath of a scary scene that unfolded in front of a national television audience.
Tagovailoa wound up on his back, both his hands in the air and Bills players immediately pointed at him as if to suggest there was an injury. Dolphins center Aaron Brewer quickly did the same, waving to the sideline.
Tagovailoa appeared to be making a fist with his right hand as he lay on the ground. It was movement consistent with something that is referred to as the “fencing response,” which can be common after a traumatic brain injury.
Tagovailoa eventually got to his feet. McDaniel grabbed the side of his quarterback’s head and gave him a kiss on the cheek as Tagovailoa departed. Thompson came into the game to take Tagovailoa’s spot.
“I love Tua on and off the football field,” Bills edge Von Miller said. “I’m a huge fan of him. I can empathize and sympathize with him because I’ve been there. I wish him the best.”
Tagovailoa’s history with concussions — and how he has since worked to avoid them — is a huge part of the story of his career, and now comes to the forefront once again.
He had at least two concussions during the 2022 season. He was hurt in a Week 3 game against Buffalo and cleared concussion protocol, though he appeared disoriented on that play but returned to the game.
The NFL later changed its concussion protocol to mandate that if a player shows possible concussion symptoms — including a lack of balance or stability — he must sit out the rest of the game.
Less than a week later, in a Thursday night game at Cincinnati, Tagovailoa was concussed on a scary hit that briefly knocked him unconscious and led to him being taken off the field on a stretcher.
His second known concussion of that season came in a December game against Green Bay, and he didn’t play for the rest of the 2022 season. After that, Tagovailoa began studying ways where he may be able to fall more safely and protect himself against further injury — including studying jiu-jitsu.
“I’m not worried about anything that’s out of my hands,” McDaniel said. “I’m just worried about the human being.”
NEW YORK (AP) — When her husband turns on the television to hear news about the upcoming presidential election, that’s often a signal for Lori Johnson Malveaux to leave the room.
It can get to be too much. Often, she’ll go to a TV in another room to watch a movie on the Hallmark Channel or BET. She craves something comforting and entertaining. And in that, she has company.
While about half of Americans say they are following political news “extremely” or “very” closely, about 6 in 10 say they need to limit how much information they consume about the government and politics to avoid feeling overloaded or fatigued, according to a new survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts.
Make no mistake: Malveaux plans to vote. She always does. “I just get to the point where I don’t want to hear the rhetoric,” she said.
The 54-year-old Democrat said she’s most bothered when she hears people on the news telling her that something she saw with her own eyes — like the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol — didn’t really happen.
“I feel like I’m being gaslit. That’s the way to put it,” she said.
Sometimes it feels like ‘a bombardment’
Caleb Pack, 23, a Republican from Ardmore, Oklahoma, who works in IT, tries to keep informed through the news feeds on his phone, which is stocked with a variety of sources, including CNN, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press.
Yet sometimes, Pack says, it seems like a bombardment.
“It’s good to know what’s going on, but both sides are pulling a little bit extreme,” he said. “It just feels like it’s a conversation piece everywhere, and it’s hard to escape it.”
Media fatigue isn’t a new phenomenon. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in late 2019 found roughly two in three Americans felt worn out by the amount of news there is, about the same as in a poll taken in early 2018. During the 2016 presidential campaign, about 6 in 10 people felt overloaded by campaign news.
But it can be particularly acute with news related to politics. The AP-NORC/USAFacts poll found that half of Americans feel a need to limit their consumption of information related to crime or overseas conflicts, while only about 4 in 10 are limiting news about the economy and jobs.
It’s easy to understand, with television outlets like CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC full of political talk and a wide array of political news online, sometimes complicated by disinformation.
“There’s a glut of information,” said Richard Coffin, director of research and advocacy for USAFacts, “and people are having a hard time figuring out what is true or not.”
Women are more likely to feel they need to limit media
In the AP-NORC poll, about 6 in 10 men said they follow news about elections and politics at least “very” closely, compared to about half of women. For all types of news, not just politics, women are more likely than men to report the need to limit their media consumption, the survey found.
White adults are also more likely than Black or Hispanic adults to say they need to limit media consumption on politics, the poll found.
Kaleb Aravzo, 19, a Democrat, gets a baseline of news by listening to National Public Radio in the morning at home in Logan, Utah. Too much politics, particularly when he’s on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, can trigger anxiety and depression.
“If it pops up on my page when I’m on social media,” he said, “I’ll just scroll past it.”
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Sanders reported from Washington. David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder.
The AP poll of 1,019 adults was conducted July 29-August 8, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.
