This week we have seen a tremendous outpouring of support in solidarity for the Anti-Black Racism movement with peaceful demonstrations and vigils across Canada and online activism bringing critical awareness to the realities of racism in our country. The calls for justice, equity, and peace have echoed across our communities and around the world, and we are listening. Prejudice, discrimination, and violence remain a reality for far too many people and is a result of intersecting systems of oppression in Canada. This is unacceptable.

Last Thursday, I was proud to join the solidarity march that took place in Burlington. I have never seen Burlington turn out like this before and was heartened to see the solidarity and commitment to equality in our community. Together, we must remain committed to continuing to dismantle systemic discrimination and racism in Canada and around the world. We must condemn all forms of racism and continue to listen, reflect, learn, and work towards a more equal and inclusive society.

The egregious acts of racism we have witnessed in the United States have struck a chord with people here in Burlington and across the country. We witnessed the horrific way in which George Floyd was killed, while others stood by. I have been reflecting deeply over the past couple of weeks. I have always prided myself on being an inclusive leader and a strong advocate against racism or discrimination of any kind. But just showing up isn’t enough. For me, particularly in my position, it’s not enough to just show solidarity. As I reflect on the values I hold dear and try to advocate for, I’ve also been thinking deeply about the space and role I am privileged to occupy, I’m asking myself: how am I working everyday, in all of my actions, to elevate and amplify the voices of those who are experiencing discrimination and how I am working to eliminate structural inequalities? It shouldn’t take the death of George Floyd to get us to work, in a concerted way, against racism. It’s time to ask ourselves, how this time it’s going to be different? I am committed to doing just that. I am also open to hear your thoughts and the steps we can take to tackle anti-black racism, and racism in all of its forms, including against indigenous people, in Canada.

June 1st also marked the beginning of Pride Season which has gone virtual this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. I know for many this month of both celebration and solidarity will look very different with parades, campaigns, and gatherings with friends and families moving online. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, there are still many ways to show support for the LGBTQ2 communities and to participate in meaningful action. Despite the pandemic, we must continue to advocate for equality and to educate ourselves further on queer issues. Pride is about so much more than a parade, and as virtual pride season continues through the month of June across Canada, let’s keep building a world where everyone feels safe and free to be who they are and to love who they love.

As the summer months are upon us and the economy slowly starts to reopen, I am excited to welcome back some of my favourite local businesses. This week, the Burlington Farmer’s Market will be opening once again on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for the remainder of Summer.

As we continue our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage you to keep pushing forward even when it gets tough. I know the circumstances are challenging, but rest assured that you are making a difference and contributing to our community’s progress in this fight.

We are in this together, and we will persist.

Sincerely,

Hon. Karina Gould
Member of Parliament
Burlington  

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