Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!maytag!looking!clarinews
From: clarinews@clarinet.com (Jardine/Marshall/Standard Broadcast News Ottawa)
Newsgroups: clari.canada.general
Subject: OttawaSpecial: (OTTAWA) Fears about a rising tide of racism and
Keywords: canadian broadcast, usa federal, government
Message-ID: <2Rottawaspecial_a9@clarinet.com>
Date: 2 Feb 90 22:59:06 GMT
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Approved: clarinews@clarinet.com
Location: canada
ACategory: feature
Slugword: ottawaspecial
Priority: regular
Format: regular
ANPA: Wc: 476; Id: z3572; Sel: cnngw; Adate: ottawaspecial-1aed
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Note: OttawaSpecial:555pes
 (((Stations: Here is the Broadcast Special for Monday February
 5-90. This edition of the special deals with racism and bigotry in
 Canadian society. An audio version of this Special...voiced by Graham
 Jardine and running 3:08...is available on the Standard Broadcast News
 audio network))).


	(OTTAWA) Fears about a rising tide of racism and intolerance in
Canadian society set off alarm bells in the House of Commons, prompting
a special opposition day debate.
	A former Liberal solicitor general says he's alarmed at recent
developments in the country that point to a rising tide of racism and
intolerance. Robert Kaplan cites four examples to back up his claim.
	He says the recent Donald Marshall inquiry into the jailing of the
Micmic Indian for a murder he didn't commit, shows the extent to which
racism underlies the criminal justice system in Nova Scotia.
	Kaplan also points to the rash of racist pins in Alberta. He says
that while they don't take away anyone's rights, the pins attack the
dignity of those they insult.
	In addition, the former Liberal cabinet minister focussed attention
on the backlash to Quebec's controversial sign law. Kaplan admits Bill
178 limits the rights of anglophones in Quebec. But he says the city of
Sault Ste. Marie's recent decision to deny services in French has made
things worse. He calls it a mean-minded statement designed to punish
Quebec for Bill 178. He says openness and accomodation were essential
ingredients in the creation of this country, and if we try to deny our
diversity and suppress our differences, we'll destroy ourselves.
	Kaplan says bluntly that Ottawa has not done enough to fight
bigotry, intolerance, discrimination and racism in Canada. He says all
Canadians who realize our heritage is in danger have to speak out.
	Multiculturalism Minister Gerry Weiner insists he's been forceful
and vigilant in combating racism. But he admits there are still far too
many cases of intolerance.
	He too points to the racist pins in Alberta. Weiner says he issued
a strong condemnation when the pins first appeared, and adds other
Canadians swiftly followed suit. But Weiner is more optimistic than
Kaplan. He says the reaction to the pin incident, and others like it,
shows the true heart of Canada.
	Weiner insists the government can't solve the problem on its
own...it needs the co-operation of citizens.
	Although many M-P's say they supported it, a resolution condemning
intolerance and prejudice in Canada failed to get unanimous approval in
the Commons.