Feds must do more to combat racism, groups say

OTTAWA - Canadian anti-racism and human rights groups are calling on the federal government to do more to address white supremacy and systemic racism.

Fareed Khan, founder of Canadians United Against Hate, says the government needs to start by acknowledging that the country and its institutions were built upon Indigenous genocide, slavery and white supremacy.

Alex Ihama, executive director of the Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity, says he encourages countries to welcome Ukrainians as they flee the "despicable" war instigated by Russia, but asks them to give the same support to non-European refugees.

Nur Watad, media director of Canadians for Justice & Peace in the Middle East, says Canada isn't doing enough to support Palestinians.

Khan says the urgency in responding to racist hate in Canada is reinforced by a recent bear-spray attack on worshippers at a Mississauga, Ont., mosque and the egging of a St. John's, N.L., mosque.

The speakers are making their announcement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.