Today, the City of Toronto, in partnership with the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice, unveiled a new “Toronto For All” public education campaign that challenges residents to speak out against and shut down anti-East Asian hate and prejudice.
Councillor Lily Cheng (Willowdale) was joined by members of a Community Advisory Council at Cecil Community Centre in Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood for the launch.
The City developed the new campaign with guidance and direction from a Community Advisory Council, which comprises members from community organizations, educators and leaders from East-Asian communities in Toronto.
The new campaign features three different illustrative designs that highlight popular and valued East Asian influences in Toronto such as enjoying a bubble tea, listening to K-pop music and learning Mandarin, Toronto’s second-most commonly spoken language. Through simple and direct questions, the campaign calls on people to consider what they can do to end anti-East Asian racism.
Campaign posters will appear on transit shelters throughout Toronto, in community centres and libraries, on the City’s social media channels and on the City’s website. The posters will be shared by Community Advisory Council members through their networks and provided to other City partners to post and share.
The City and the Community Advisory Council engaged in a collaborative and detailed process to develop a meaningful and impactful design concept representative of the feedback, concerns and lived experiences shared by Canadians of East-Asian heritage in Toronto.
Information and resources about anti-East Asian racism and what Torontonians can do to shut it down are available on the City’s “Toronto For All” campaign webpage.
This is the 14th “Toronto For All” campaign by the City in partnership with various community partners and organizations. The goal of the “Toronto For All” public education initiative is to generate dialogue among Toronto residents to create a city that says “no” to all forms of discrimination and racism. Previous campaigns have focussed on topics including antisemitism, anti-Islamophobia, anti-Black racism and trans youth of colour.
Quotes:
“I am honoured to stand behind this campaign to help end Anti-East Asian racism. We cannot ignore the destructive impact that anti-East Asian hate has on communities and people who experience it. I would like to thank the Community Advisory Council for their leadership and guidance in shaping this campaign and for contributing to a safer city for people of East Asian heritage here in Toronto. We must continue to do all we can to reject all forms of racism, discrimination and hatred in Toronto.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Anti-East Asian racism has no place in our city. Let’s unite to create an inclusive, welcoming Toronto, where we unequivocally reject all forms of racism, discrimination and hatred. The unwavering commitment of the Community Advisory Council transcends differences and has shaped a public education campaign that embodies our shared goal of ending anti-East Asian racism.”
– Councillor Lily Cheng (Willowdale)
“It’s our duty to stand united against all forms of racism, including anti-East Asian racism. Through the City’s ‘Toronto For All’ campaign, we encourage dialogue and promote a city and society that embraces everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity or religion.”
– Councillor James Pasternak (York Centre), Mayor’s Combatting Hate Champion
“By taking a proactive stance and partnering with the City of Toronto on the ‘Toronto For All’ public education campaign, we are encouraging and challenging Toronto residents to speak out against and shut down anti-East Asian hate. In a world and city where stereotypes and discrimination persist, we believe that education is a powerful tool to combat biases and promote understanding.”
– Amy Go, President, Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca
