Members of Parliament host first roundtable on anti-Palestinian racism in Scarborough

SCARBOROUGH, ON Today in Scarborough MP Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre) and MP Sameer Zuberi (Pierrefonds—Dollard), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, hosted the first of a series of roundtable discussions led by MP Zahid following the release of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy in June 2024.

Of primary concern to those in attendance were the incidents of racism towards Palestinian communities that have been increasing in Canada.

The community has been calling attention to this worrying trend, the need to recognize it, for concrete action, and a path forward.

“I have heard clearly from my constituents that they are tired of words, and that they want to see action. Anti-Palestinian racism (APR) is a serious and real problem, and | look forward to this process to hear directly from the community on the impact of this racism and what they want to see us as a government doing to confront it together,” said Zahid. “It is important that the voices of the community are heard and that they guide this process.”

“The Canadian-Palestinian community is enduring a particularly challenging time, marked by a disturbing rise in hate and intolerance,” said Zuberi. “It’s crucial that we respond to and confront anti-Palestinian racism wherever it appears. We all have a role to play in creating a safer and more inclusive Canada. Now, more than ever, it’s vital to listen to the voices and accounts of those directly affected.”

“l also look forward to working with Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia and collaborating with her office on this important initiative to ensure we effectively combat all forms of racism and discrimination. APR and all forms of hatred and racism based on race, faith or other areas are wrong and have no place in Canada,” said Zahid. “We all have a responsibility to fight it.”

On her social media MP Salma Zahid also stated:

Yesterday in Scarborough, Sameer Zuberi and I hosted the first roundtable on anti-Palestinian racism. It’s very worrying how APR is increasing in Canada. It’s important we hear directly from the community on the impact of racism and what they want to see us as a government doing to confront it together.

Thank you to the attendees of the first roundtable who shared their powerful lived experience and their advice for combatting racism. This is the first step in an important process, and we will produce a report for Minister Kamal Khera with recommendations for action.

To view photos from the first roundtable on Facebook, click here