White Rock anti-racism forum scheduled<\/p>\n
Published 9:00 pm Thursday, March 12, 2026<\/p>\n
It\u2019s all about opening dialogue.<\/p>\n
A forum at White Rock Community Centre on Saturday, March 21 will mark the National Day for the Elimination of Racial Descrimination with a positive, community-focused initiative.<\/p>\n
Titled Practising Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination: Building Community and Belonging, the event (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 15154 Russell Ave.) is a collaboration between MOSAIC (Multi-lingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities) BC and the City of White Rock.<\/p>\n
Coun. Susan Bains said she got involved in the forum after an article in Peace Arch News discussed racist attitudes that she and fellow candidate Jas Dhaliwal encountered during the last White Rock civic byelection.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter that (former White Rock mayor, MLA and MP) Gordie Hogg connected with me about organizing a community forum,\u201d Bains said.<\/p>\n
\u201dI reached out to MOSIAC and they were quick to get involved. They\u2019ve been very helpful in planning the event with us. This is what they do \u2013 they jumped all over it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Vancouver-based organization, with its community and business partners, offers such staff and volunteer services as English classes and testing; translation and interpretation; job finding and getting settled; health and counselling; community clinics; human rights advice; refugee sponsorship and support for children and families.<\/p>\n
The vision statement on MOSAIC\u2019s website notes that \u201ctogether we advance an inclusive and thriving Canada,\u201d while its mission is described as to \u201cenrich communities through services and advocacy, furthering the success and sense of belonging of newcomers and individuals from diverse backgrounds.\u201d<\/p>\n
The March 21 event, designed to \u201cexplore what an inclusive and meaningful path forward looks like for the City of White Rock\u201d will include a panel discussion with leaders in the community, and a workshop that will suggest actionable anti-racism strategies.<\/p>\n
But there will also be time for facilitated self-reflection, and open dialogue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese conversations need to happen,\u201d Bains said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reaction after the campaign and after the article appeared, included so many letters from the community \u2013 some were apologies and some weren\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s clearly a need for dialogue \u2013 we want people to bring their different perspectives, respectfully,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully, in six months we can follow up with another event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bains said she would like to see greater inclusivity of all cultures in White Rock, no matter where they originated.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, at the city, only a policy exists, and that was done in 2020. This would be a first movement toward broader inclusivity and more community involvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to encourage more diverse cultural events in the city, supported by the city, and look at what other cities are doing. Celebrating different cultures is educational in itself \u2013 we can all learn from each other.\u201d<\/p>\n