"It
is an affront to African-Americans to say having past generations
being prevented from taking a drink from a public water fountain or
being sprayed down by fire hoses in a public park was on par to laws
preventing a man from marrying another man. The comparison is
shameful. Civil rights leaders strongly reject this assertion.
Rev.
Jessie Jackson explains, "Gays were never called three-fifths of
a person in the Constitution...and they did not require the Voting
Rights Act to have the right to vote."
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21, 2011
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
“On this day in 1960, police in Sharpeville, South Africa shot into an unarmed crowd and killed 69 anti-apartheid demonstrators, generating international alarm which led to the creation of this day.
“Events like that of March 21, 1960 are painful reminders that the worldwide community must take action to fight racism.
“To live free of racial discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and our Government takes the defence of this right very seriously. Through Canada’s legal system and a variety of department and agency programs, we work hard to ensure that all Canadian citizens are protected from prejudice and enjoy equal opportunities.
“For instance, we are actively encouraging Canadians of all ethnic communities to participate fully in Canadian society, through ‘Inter-Action: Canada’s new Multiculturalism Grants and Contribution Program’ and by speeding up the recognition of foreign credentials.
“Our Government is also marking March 21 with the ‘Racism. Stop It!’ national video competition, which allows young Canadians to create videos to express their views on eliminating racism.
“Canada is not only promoting tolerance and equality at home; we are also encouraging racial equality abroad. We are working with various international organizations to strengthen human rights education in developing countries.
“Canada’s reputation as a free and pluralistic nation has been instrumental in helping us attract thousands of talented and hard-working immigrants each year. Our Government will continue working with Canadians from coast to coast to coast to ensure our country lives up to this reputation.”
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Black History Month
February 1, 2011
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today in recognition of Black History Month:
“February is Black History Month and an opportunity to celebrate the values of perseverance and dignity that have defined the black community in Canada.
“This year, we celebrate four outstanding Canadian icons whose stories characterize the pride, strength and dignity that have driven black Canadians to realize their ambitions in different fields.
“John Ware, born into slavery in South Carolina, moved to Alberta where he achieved success and fame. As a pioneer of “steer wrestling,” his legacy is enjoyed by more than a million people each year at the Calgary Stampede.
“At the turn of the 20th Century, Carrie Best broke down barriers and changed mindsets – thriving as a broadcaster, author, human rights activist and the founder of the first black-owned newspaper in Nova Scotia.
“Two of Canada’s greatest athletes also overcame obstacles and changed attitudes in professional sports. Ferguson Jenkins became the only Canadian player to be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, while Jarome Iginla was the first black captain in the National Hockey League.
“During Black History Month, I encourage Canadians to learn more about the important contributions of black Canadians to our great nation and to participate in various events celebrating this part of our culture."
* * *
International Cooperation
Mr. Speaker: while the immigration minister tries and fails to take responsibility for his recent conflict of interest activities, one must ask, why is he permitted to explain his misdeeds but the CIDA minister is not?
First, the PM kept her behind him, seen and not heard. Now that she is allowed to speak, she answers imaginary questions and never why she doctored the KAIROS document. She continues to show contempt for the House and Canadians.
Why will she not fess up and say who told her to cut funding?
Whether it is young girls in Afghanistan who are finally being able to realize the dream of going to school or the millions of women and children in Africa who will benefit from the maternal and newborn initiative brought forward by this government, the Minister of International Cooperation has always stood up for women around the world. She has done an outstanding job and we should celebrate her success today on International Women's Day.
[Translation]
How impressive, Mr. Speaker!!! The Minister of International Cooperation does not even have the right to defend herself on International Women's Day, yet the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism can stand up and try, in vain, to defend his conflicts of interest!!!
How can it be that on International Women Day, the Minister of International Cooperation is not allowed to stand up and tell us why she doctored a document and why she cut funding to KAIROS without any justification? She is not allowed to defend herself, but the male minister...
ORAL QUESTIONS Subtitled: International Co-operation
[Table of Contents]
The Speaker: The hon. Minister of International Cooperation.
[
English]
[Table of Contents]
Mr. Speaker: that gives me the opportunity when people are worried about our economic recovery to tell Canadians how their development dollars are delivering results, particularly for women.
In fact, in Sudan where we have seen a referendum and a new country, we have delivered water for 744,000 people and ensured the enrolment of 4,000 girls in schools. We have established 30 women's community-based organizations so that woman can speak up for themselves and be part of a new nation in south Sudan.
* * *
Today, Canadian women and men are celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, and there is much to celebrate. Women and girls have overcome great obstacles to the advancement of their equality.
This year, Canada's theme for International Women's Day is “Girls' Rights Matter”. Would the minister tell the House why Canada chose this theme to mark the 100th anniversary?
Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, this year's theme for International Women's Day is “Girls' Rights Matter”. It was chosen because girls across the globe face serious obstacles that must be overcome. A girl who enjoys equality has a greater likelihood of being self-confident and aware of her own potential and being empowered to access education and job opportunities that will contribute to her success.At Status of Women, we have doubled our funding in support of community organizations that want to empower Canadian women and girls.
I urge all members today, on International Women's Day, to reflect on the incredible progress that we have made and, more importantly, on the potential for our girls to reach even greater heights.
* * *
(1450)
There is a problem with the Stephen Harper Conservative government in helping African women and children regardless of religion to gain a measure of empowerment and independence?
Sigh...This Hansards says it all regarding political hypocrisy and subliminal self-hating racism by certain Federal Liberals in trying to be politically opportunistic to the point of sacrificing integrity and basic human appreciation. - Mike Researcher
Sigh…Must I lead the BORG by the hand?
This is an objective and analytical response against the slanderous accusations that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is bigoted, untrustworthy, and dangerous.
First, let us get to the point.
Although Stephen Harper is against same-sex marriage, so are most African-American civil rights leaders (until very recently), majority of visible ethnic Canadians/Americans, and some major world religions in the context of the Gay Community daring to compare themselves with visible ethnic people.
At present, despite the intense lobbying by the homosexual community, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights has failed to add 'sexuality' to the list of categories protected by the United Nations. Amidst intense pressure from the Vatican and Muslim nations, the proposal put forward by Brazil and supported by Canada and most of the European Union states, was withdrawn. "Millions of people across the globe face imprisonment, torture, violence, and discrimination because of their sexual orientation," said Member of the European Parliament, Michael Cashman.
In 1992, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 23(2) although condemning persecution of homosexuals - makes no provision for same-sex marriage. Thus is the UN bigoted?
The Stephen Harper government has shown remarkable insight in supporting visible ethnic Canadians as follows:
- Recently (Thursday, February 25, 2010), Harper encouraged Ugandan President: Museveni to kill legislation that would make homosexuality a capital crime
- In 11 Jun 2008, Stephen Harper apologized to First Nations for abuses done in residential schools. Compensation called Common Experience Payments was made available to all residential schools students who were alive as of May 30, 2005. Former residential school students were eligible for $10,000 for the first year or part of a year they attended school, plus $3,000 for each subsequent year. Any money remaining from the $1.9-billion package will be given to foundations that support learning needs of aboriginal students. As of March 31, 2008, $1.19B had been paid, representing 61,473 cases.
- In 23 June 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper dedicated the Air India memorial with Ontario Premier: Dalton McGuinty and Toronto Mayor: David Miller to mark the third annual National Day to Remember Victims of Terror.
- Finally, Stephen Harper’s visit to the Sikh Temple in Amritsar India, his invitation and acceptance of the Dali Lama, his constant visits to Nunavut, and his genuine interest in visible ethnic Canadian communities show some solidarity to that community.
People are not stupid, they know if a person is genuine or disingenuous.
In conclusion, any of you Borg especially you who have children, ethically haven’t changed your slanderous accusations and mindset against Stephen Harper – you are symbolically spitting in your children’s faces. If your children perceive that you (Borg) are really hypocritically dysfunctional, Is it surprising that your children turn out rebellious and/or reactionary, then you have only yourselves to blame?
A Concerned Canadian For Our Children's Welfare, Ethics, & Political Best Interests,
Mike Researcher
