Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism

Despite the continuation of systemic racism and the rise in hate-crimes, Canada’s diverse communities remain resilient. In 2017 I submitted a report from youth in Vancouver East documenting their experience with systemic racism and religious discrimination and their recommendations to the government. In 2021, the government passed my motion that calls on the government to include anti-Asian racism in Canada's anti-racism strategy and in all anti-racism policies and programs. At the same time, I stressed the importance of dedicated, stable funding to ensure that NGOs have the resources they need to help fight against hate and provide support to victims.

In addition to investigating and fighting rising hate crimes, I will continue to use my voice as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver East to speak against hate in all form, and continue to fight for government funding and support for communities to strengthen and grow their language, culture and heritage. It is our diverse and rich cultural heritage and the commitment to fighting racism and the desire for justice and dignity for all people that truly make Canada strong.

The Tyee: Not Every Canadian MP Stood to Honour Charlie Kirk

In the letter, Johns tells his constituents he didn’t participate in the standing ovation.

“I do not support or share the views of Charlie Kirk or the hateful, divisive politics he promoted. His record of misogyny, xenophobia, racism and homophobia runs counter to the values I hold and the inclusive, just Canada we are all working to build,” Johns said.

He added that he abhors political violence: “A democratic society cannot function if people are attacked or killed for their beliefs, no matter how much we may oppose those beliefs. Violence and extremism — whether in the United States or here in Canada — tear communities apart and endanger our democracy.”

A statement from Jenny Kwan, Vancouver East NDP MP, said that none of the party’s MPs participated in the standing ovation. Kwan said she denounces political violence, but “anyone with a platform should always be mindful that political rhetoric that is incendiary, racist and dehumanizing is unacceptable.”

Click link to read the news story - https://thetyee.ca/News/2025/09/18/Not-Every-MP-Rose-Honour-Charlie-Kirk/

HANSARD: Online Harms Act Debate

HANSARD: Online Harm Act

HANSARD: Jenny asks why do the Conservatives always stand on the side of the giant corporations instead of people like creators and artists in Canada?

MEDIA RELEASE: NDP statement on extremism within Israel’s new government

NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Heather McPherson made the following statement

CBC: Pierre Poilievre thinks he can win over new Canadians. Here's how he plans to do it

But the NDP's immigration critic, Jenny Kwan, threw water on the idea, saying in a statement that the Harper government cut settlement services for newcomers and made family reunifications more difficult.
Liberal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser didn't wade into the Tories' past, but in a statement said speaking to newcomers is the job of any political leader.
"Newcomers are not a voting block to pander to. They are Canadians, and soon-to-be Canadians."

CIMM#45: Jenny asked the Immigration Minister on Hong Kong lifeboat scheme, migrant workers treatment, systematic racism in IRCC, processing delay, and Afghan refugee applications

“ My first question for the minister relates to the Hong Kong lifeboat scheme. Approximately 12,000 individuals have come to Canada and applied under that scheme, and 6,487 people were approved as of October 2021. Only 45 had permanent resident status approved by January 2022. According to research from Community Family Services of Ontario, 22% of the open work permit applicants graduated in 2016 or 2017, making them ineligible for PR under the scheme. By the time they complete their PR requirements, the degree, the limitation of five years will be over.

As the minister can see, there remain substantial barriers for Hong Kongers to access the open work permit scheme. It's set to expire on February 7, 2023. No replacement has yet been announced.

My question for the minister is this: Will he eliminate the five-year rule to make the lifeboat scheme actually workable for Hong Kongers? Second, will he extend the program?”

Canada Immigration NEWS: Updated Anti-Racism Strategy For Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

MP Jenny Kwan, the immigration critic for the New Democratic Party in the House of Commons, echoed those sentiments, reportedly admitting that, while the language used by the IRCC is positive, there’s a lack of immediate action specified.

“As the government consults, as they examine and study these issues, the ongoing impact of discriminatory policies is having a real effect for people,” Kwan reportedly told the National Post.
African, South American and Asian delegates planning to attend a major AIDS conference in Montreal were denied visas, many of them because the Canadian government did not believe they would return home, Kwan reportedly claimed.
On social media, critics of the IRCC have noted African students who apply to Canadian colleges and universities are denied study permits at much higher rate that international students from other countries.

IN THE NEWS: Canadian Press - Canada’s Immigration Department revamps anti-racism strategy following criticism

NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan said the language in the strategy is positive, but doesn’t appear to be backed up by immediate action.

“As the government consults, as they examine and study these issues, the ongoing impact of discriminatory policies … is having a real effect for people,” Kwan said in an interview Friday.

She pointed to speakers from Africa, South America and Asia who are planning to attend a major AIDS conference in Montreal who have been denied visas, often on the grounds that the Canadian government doesn’t believe they’ll return home after the event.