Racism is a persistent global issue, but addressing it within the Canadian context holds unique challenges and opportunities. For centuries, Black Canadians, Indigenous peoples, and other racialized groups have been subjected to systemic discrimination, creating profound inequalities in housing, education, employment, and justice. While Canada is often lauded for its multicultural ethos, these inequities are a stark reminder that racism is not just a relic of the past. But how do we confront it? What concrete steps can be taken to dismantle racism at its roots?
To explore this topic, we reached out to activists, scholars, and everyday Canadians for their perspectives on how racism can be eradicated and what we can all do to contribute to a more inclusive society.
Understanding the Scope of Racism
The first step to addressing racism is understanding its pervasiveness. Racial discrimination isn’t just limited to overt acts of hate. Microaggressions, systemic barriers, and institutional biases all contribute to the challenges faced by racialized communities.
Daisy Jackson, a social worker in Toronto, explains: “Racism in Canada is insidious because it often operates in subtler ways. People think because we’re not seeing cross-burnings or lynchings, racism doesn’t exist here. But it does — it’s just more hidden. In housing, for example, landlords are more likely to reject Black or Indigenous applicants. In the workplace, people of colour face higher scrutiny and fewer opportunities for advancement. These are the things we need to talk about if we want to end racism.”
Jackson’s comments reflect a broader societal problem: recognizing that racism in Canada might not always be as overt as it is elsewhere, but it is equally damaging. Recent studies have shown that Black Canadians are more likely to face police profiling, Indigenous communities continue to deal with the effects of colonialism, and immigrants from non-European countries face higher rates of underemployment despite having comparable qualifications.
Education as a Tool for Change
One of the most frequently cited solutions for ending racism is education. Schools play a crucial role in shaping perspectives, and integrating more comprehensive teachings about race, colonialism, and the history of marginalized groups is an essential step.
Kimberly Marshall, a high school teacher in Vancouver, believes that changes to the curriculum could make a huge difference: “The way history is taught in Canada often erases the contributions and struggles of Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples. We need to start teaching kids about residential schools, about the systemic racism that led to the Chinese head tax, or the internment of Japanese Canadians. When we educate young people on the real history of this country, we start breaking down the walls of ignorance that keep racism alive.”
Marshall’s call for a more inclusive curriculum is echoed by activists across the country. In addition to focusing on historical injustices, there is also a push for schools to adopt anti-racism training for teachers and to provide resources that address unconscious bias. Programs that foster intercultural dialogue and understanding between students of different backgrounds have also been cited as valuable tools in the fight against racism.
Structural Changes and Policy Reform
While education is essential, addressing racism requires structural changes at a policy level. Anti-racism policies must be enacted across various sectors, including policing, healthcare, housing, and employment, to truly level the playing field for racialized groups.
Kevin Francis, a policy advocate based in Ottawa, stresses the need for robust governmental action: “There is only so much we can do through individual attitudes and education. We need governments to step up and implement policies that address the systemic nature of racism. This means reforms in the justice system to prevent racial profiling, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and education, and holding companies accountable when they discriminate against employees based on race.”
In recent years, the Canadian government has made some strides in addressing racial inequities. The launch of the Black Entrepreneurship Program, for instance, is aimed at supporting Black business owners who have historically been underserved by financial institutions. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure these initiatives have long-lasting impacts. They point to continued over-policing of Black and Indigenous communities, the lack of affordable housing for racialized families, and the inequitable distribution of wealth as areas that still need attention.
The Role of Allies
Ending racism isn’t just the responsibility of those who experience it; it’s something that requires the collective effort of society. Allyship, when done correctly, can be a powerful tool in the fight against racism. It involves listening, learning, and actively supporting marginalized communities in their struggles for equality.
Maria Lopez, an ally and diversity consultant in Montreal, emphasizes that allyship isn’t just about words—it’s about action: “Being an ally means using your privilege to uplift others. If you see racism in the workplace, you call it out. If you have the power to hire, you make sure you’re considering diverse candidates. Allyship means constantly educating yourself on the struggles of marginalized groups and showing up for them, whether that’s through protests, donations, or simply being a supportive friend.”
Lopez’s perspective reflects a growing understanding that allyship requires ongoing commitment. It is not a one-time action, but a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and advocating for change in both personal and professional spaces.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices
Another important aspect of combating racism is ensuring that the voices of those who are most affected by it are amplified and centred in discussions around racial justice. Black, Indigenous, and racialized Canadians must have platforms to share their experiences and lead conversations about solutions.
Danielle Mitchell, an Indigenous activist from Manitoba, explains: “For too long, discussions about racism have been dominated by people who aren’t directly affected by it. It’s crucial that Indigenous and Black voices are leading these conversations because we know our experiences better than anyone else. The solutions to racism aren’t going to come from people who benefit from the system—it’s going to come from those who are hurt by it.”
Mitchell’s words highlight a vital element in the fight against racism: allowing marginalized communities to guide the movement and set the agenda for change.
What Can We Do?
Ending racism in Canada is an enormous task that will require long-term commitment from individuals, organizations, and governments alike. While the path forward might be challenging, there are several steps that can be taken to begin dismantling the systems of oppression:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Read, listen, and learn about the histories and experiences of racialized groups in Canada. Share this knowledge within your community.
- Support Anti-Racism Policies: Advocate for policy changes that address systemic discrimination in policing, healthcare, education, and employment.
- Hold Institutions Accountable: Call out instances of racism when you see them and push for accountability in workplaces, schools, and other institutions.
- Listen to Marginalized Voices: Elevate the voices of those most affected by racism and support their leadership in the movement for racial justice.
- Engage in Allyship: Actively support marginalized communities through actions, not just words. Show up, donate, protest, and call out racist behaviour wherever you see it.
Ending racism isn’t a one-step process, nor is it something that will happen overnight. But through continuous education, systemic change, and collective action, we can work toward a future where everyone is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
As Kimberly Marshall put it: “We need to work together, recognizing that the fight against racism is everyone’s responsibility. Only then can we create a Canada that truly lives up to its ideals of equality and justice for all.”
