S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Statement concerning City of Richmond’s response to recent distribution of racist material

Vancouver – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has issued the following statement concerning City of Richmond’s response to recent distribution of racist material:

“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. echoes Mayor Malcolm Brodie’s condemnation of the racist material that was distributed in Richmond last Thursday. These statements are in themselves a form of violence, primarilydirected towards newcomers, immigrant communities and people of colour, but are hurtful to the overall community of Richmond.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S., its allies and partners further denounce these statements, and are deeply concerned about a growing anti-immigrant sentiment throughout British Columbia, partly fed by racist commentary around the rising cost of housing in Vancouver, and now surfacing in Richmond through hateful propaganda.

British Columbia has one of the highest levels of public support for multiculturalism in Canada. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. appeals to all British Columbians to remain proud, united and vigilant in promoting our province’s shared values.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is planning a forum in the New Year focused on addressing anti-immigrant sentiment and facilitating dialogue and solutions towards greater social cohesion for newcomers, immigrants and long-time residents.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is urging newcomers and immigrants who are feeling emotional distress as a result of experiencing or witnessing racism to contact S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’ counselling services and/or the Chinese Help Line.

Established in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the biggest social service agencies in British Columbia. It is a charitable organization providing services in settlement, language training, employment, family and youth counseling, business and economic development, seniors care, housing and community development. For more details, please visit:  www.success.bc.ca.