To be taken seriously on racism, Stephen Harper needs to work on his cabinet

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today (March 21) to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

On this day, I encourage all Canadians to fight against racial and ethnic discrimination whenever and wherever it occurs.

We as a country do not tolerate any form of discrimination, and recognize the very real societal and economic damage that these attitudes cause to communities, families and individuals.

The diversity that exists in Canada is something we cherish, for our nation has been greatly enriched by over 200 cultures that make up our country. Indeed, our reputation as a free and just country depends on our stance against practices such as racial discrimination, and we must always work hard to live up to that reputation.

To this end, our Government will continue to work at home and abroad with our partners to combat racial and ethnic discrimination in all its manifestations.

Harper has a lot of work to do if such pronouncements are to be taken seriously. For one thing, just check out his cabinet.

And, no, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney's frequent campaigning in ethnic communities doesn't make him an honorary person of colour.