Dear Ms. Spindel:
I am writing in response to your correspondence regarding comments made by Mr. Laith Marouf from the Community Media Advocacy Centre (CMAC). I appreciate your taking the time to write on this matter. Please excuse the delay in my reply.
Racism and hate, including antisemitism, have no place in Canada. Such actions go against the values and spirit of a diverse and inclusive society, as well as the values of the Government of Canada. Together, we must continue to work toward the vision of an inclusive, equitable and anti-racist society.
The Government condemns the racist, xenophobic and antisemitic comments made in the strongest terms possible. To that end, CMAC’s funding was suspended after I became aware of the comments that were made. Their project has been terminated and they have been told they must pay the money back. The Government will not tolerate hate and will continue to act accordingly.
Furthermore, the Department of Canadian Heritage has enhanced and improved protocols and processes to ensure organizations and individuals that promote racist, antisemitic and other forms of hateful content will not be eligible for funding. This included conducting a comprehensive review of funding programs, including the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives program and enhancing training for program officers.
I can assure you that the Government remains committed to renewing Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, developing Canada’s first action plan on combatting hate, as well as introducing legislation to address online safety. I am looking forward to further collaboration with you as we work to eradicate hate and discrimination.
Please accept my best wishes.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, P.C., M.P.
The original letter from CAEF can be found here.
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