March 25, 2021
We are deeply concerned about the rise in anti-Asian racist violence that has occurred in Canada since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. YMCA Canada is shocked and saddened by the violent events targeting Asian women in their place of work in Georgia last week, and we stand firmly against anti-Asian discrimination and attacks in our communities.
Since March 2020, there have been over 1,000 incidents of anti-Asian hate crimes across Canada, according to data provided by Fight COVID Racism. The YMCA condemns this violence, and we stand with our Asian and Asian-Canadian staff, volunteers, and community members in support. We are committed to confronting, addressing, and dismantling racism in all forms.
As an organization, the YMCA is committed to diversity and inclusion. Over the last year, we have been expanding our focus on anti-racism and addressing systemic discrimination, including creating learning opportunities for staff and volunteers, working with community partners, and conducting research on how well we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We will continue to invest in these efforts and engage in listening, learning, and improving, to ensure that the YMCA is a space that is safe and welcoming for everyone.