Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.
Across Canada, communities, governments and public institutions are working on plans and strategies to tackle racism and discrimination. What policies, solutions and approaches will help build bridges?
On November 27, The Globe and Mail hosted the next event in its Finding Common Ground series of national conversations focused on systemic racism and policy needs in Canada.
Missed the live event or would like to view it again or share? Please scroll down to the video player, below.
The event explored solutions across immigration, criminal justice, climate response and online safety, with a focus on actionable policies to create a more equitable Canada.
Co-emcees Ian Bailey, staff reporter with The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa bureau, and Willow Fiddler, national news reporter with The Globe and Mail, welcomed the audience before introducing Cameron Crowchild, Knowledge Keeper with Tsuut’ina Nation, for the Opening Ceremony.
Mr. Bailey then moderated a panel discussion focused on an issue of growing urgency in Canada – the effects of changing sentiment, policy and the narrative around immigration. The panel included:
Dr. Pallavi Banerjee,professor and UCalgary research excellence chair;Dr. Francis Boakye, executive director, ActionDignityAnne-Marie Pham, co-founder and board director, National Council of Asian Canadians.
The discussion segued into a panel focused on tough-on-crime legislation and how more stringent bail and sentencing requirements may adversely affect racialized communities. Ms. Fiddler moderated the panel, which included:
Zilla Jones, criminal defence and human rights/poverty law attorney, Jones Law OfficeKatelyn Lucas, executive director, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary Dunia Nur, president & CEO, African Canadian Civic Engagement Council
Systemic racism and inequality in Canada’s emergency response to wildfires in Indigenous communities was also a key focus of the event. Ms. Fiddler moderated an interview discussion focused on under-resourcing in Indigenous communities, and lack of time and capacity to prepare for emergencies. The interview also covered the impacts and trauma of evacuations, especially in remote communities. The interview included:
Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson, Senior Fire Advisor, Indigenous Leadership Initiative, Cultural Fire Knowledge KeeperDarrin Spence, Council Member, Marten Falls First Nation
The discussions concluded with a conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) and its use in creating and disseminating misinformation, hate and racist content. The panel discussed how the technology is being employed, and policy solutions such as online hate legislation. Speakers also discussed the importance of education and awareness-building. Speakers included:
Dr. Emily B. Laidlaw, Rovinescu visiting scholar on anti-hate speech and Canada research chair in cybersecurity law, University of CalgaryDr. Gideon Christian, associate professor; university research chair (AI and law), University of CalgaryAyman Qroon, machine learning scientist, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute
Summary remarks were provided by Mohammed Hashim, CEO and Executive Director, Canadian Race Relations Foundation; ad Teresa Woo-Paw, Chairperson, Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF).
Knowledge Keeper Cameron Crowchild then conducted a Closing Ceremony to conclude the event.
View the full recording below:
The Globe and Mail presented the event with support from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). To view previous events in the series please see below:
Webcast: Supporting First Nations-Led Policing
Webcast: Addressing Hate Crimes in Canada
Event: Addressing Hate and Racism in Canada
To learn about upcoming Globe and Mail events please visit www.globeandmail.com/events