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District of Mission proclaims May 10 as ‘Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism’

Municipality joins over 12 other Canadian cities making proclamation after spike in hate crimes
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Coun. Ken Herar said a local rally will take place beside Lougheed Highway in front of the FreshCo from 3 to 4 p.m., and if anyone wishes to join him, to email: kenherar@gmail.com.

The District of Mission has proclaimed May 10 as the ‘Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism,’ in an effort to raise awareness about the massive spike in hate crimes against Asian peoples.

Coun. Ken Herar was recently contacted by Doris Mah of Stand With Asians Coalition (SWAC) about organizing a local event, which will coincide with peaceful rallies being organized across the Lower Mainland.

“Some have chosen to be discriminatory towards Asian Canadians. In a time when we should turn to one another for support in navigating this pandemic, a scenario of division has only made our shared situation worse,” Herar said. “I was startled by how serious this situation had become.”

Hate crimes targeting Asian peoples in Vancouver have increased over 700 per cent; in Ottawa, over 600 per cent; and in Burnaby, over 350 per cent, according to police statistics. Burnaby RCMP have said these hate crimes increased from six in 2019, to 27 in 2020.

In recent weeks, over a dozen other Canadian cities have made, or said they plan to make, similar proclamations as Mission’s. May 10 has been chosen as the date because this month is Canada’s Asian Heritage Month.

RELATED: Arrest made after man spits, yells anti-Asian racial slurs at Victoria mom and kids

Herar said a local rally will take place beside Lougheed Highway in front of the FreshCo from 3 to 4 p.m., and if anyone wishes to join him, to email: kenherar@gmail.com.

The event will follow COVID-safe protocols, Herar said.

“Has COVID-19 brought us together or driven us further apart when it relates to our diverse population?” he said. “I’m proud to announce that the District Mission has also followed with a proclamation.”

RELATED: Mission to honour Komagata Maru passengers, after descendant speaks before council


@portmoodypigeon
patrick.penner@missioncityrecord.com

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