Dear ONA members,
I
am writing to ask each of you to join me in marking the 2016 International Day
for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Monday, March
21.
Each year on this date, ONA joins with
individuals, labour unions and other organizations worldwide to recognize this
day, first declared by the United Nations back in 1966. ONA prides itself in
being a Union that is committed to being a leader in Human Rights and Equity
issues.
International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination is part of the global fight to end all forms of racism
and racial discrimination. As a union, ONA is committed to a world of justice
and equality for all.
As registered nurses and allied health
professionals, we recognize that racialized communities in Canada are three
times more likely to be poor than other Canadians due to inequities in access to
education, barriers to employment and low wages. We know that socio-economic
factors play a large role in our patients' health, and that our Aboriginal
communities suffer from persistent health and income inequality.
Fifty years after the declaration of
the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we as human
beings and front-line health care providers have good reasons to continue to
fight.
Please join us in taking time to mark
this important day. I invite you all to take a moment to reflect on racial
discrimination. There are also events planned around the province.
To learn more, visit
ONA's website (http://www.ona.org/news_details.html?article_id=1136) which features more information, a
downloadable poster for members and a list of events. Let's work to end racial
discrimination for all.
Please remember to tell ONA if your
Local has attended or arranged an event.
Let's end racial discrimination
now.
In solidarity,
Linda
ONA President
