OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is appalled by on-going police brutality against African-American and minority populations in the United States. Protests have broken out across the U.S., in Canada and around the world after the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed and handcuffed black man, on May 25 in Minneapolis.
"The killing of George Floyd is one of far too many crimes by police against unarmed, innocent black men in the U.S.. We must not be silent,” said Green Party parliamentary leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “It is deeply troubling to see how much violence has been fomented by agent provocateurs and militarized police forces across the U.S.”
On Sunday, thousands of Canadians took to the streets in solidarity with protesters in the U.S. In Canada, Indigenous, black and minority populations continue to endure disproportionate discrimination and violence from law enforcement officers.
“Canada is not immune from racism,” continued Ms. May. “We must all speak up to denounce the murder of George Floyd and the persistent racism in our own society. Our response must be firmly grounded in non-violence.”
“It is not enough to dislike racism,” said Jenica Atwin (MP, Fredericton), Green Party critic for diversity, inclusion and youth. “We must actively re-educate ourselves, confront our friends and neighbours with the reality of the systemic racism and violence we participate in every day. And we must eradicate it.”
“The legacy of slavery, racism and oppression continues to take new, ever-changing forms in our society,” said Green Party Interim Leader Jo-Ann Roberts. “Like those who fought it in the past, we must confront it whenever and wherever it appears and not let it take root.”
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