Stronger Together: The NAJC and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF)

The Toronto NAJC is proud to highlight our relationship with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). We are committed to ensuring a strong relationship with the CRRF, given the foundational role of the Japanese Canadian redress agreement and apology in its establishment. We applaud the leadership of its board chair, and executive director who have consistently recognized this connection in public presentations, ensuring that the legacy of the historic redress agreement remains a central part of the CRRF’s ongoing mission.

The CRRF has expanded its role as a leader in anti-racism efforts nationwide and made significant strides in advancing Canada’s approach to addressing hate and racism:

Tackling Hate:

• Launched national “Building Bridges” workshops to recognize and report hate crimes, with two successful events in Victoria and Vancouver.
• Established a Hate Crimes Network through the Hate Crimes Task Force.
• Supported Canada’s efforts at the UN Decade for People of African Descent, leading a delegation to the UN and publishing a report.
• Contributed to the development of Canada’s Online Harms Legislation.
• Submitted recommendations to the federal government on the proposed Black Justice Strategy.
• Published a comprehensive review of services for victims of hate crimes in Canada.
• Facilitated reporting and tracking of incidents of racism and discrimination by law enforcement. 

Addressing Anti-Asian Racism:

• Launched a national Coalition Against Anti-Asian Racism to understand and address anti-Asian racism in Canada. A coaltion, which includes two NAJC Human Rights Committee members on the steering committee. 
• Released important data on racism and hate faced by Asian Canadians.
• Provided  media training for Asian Canadian community leaders.
• Enabled collaboration between the Coalition and Indigenous partners.
• Hosted a public policy forum on the Online Harms Bill, focusing on anti-Asian hate online.
• Organized a luncheon and roundtable with 30 Asian leaders in the GTA to discuss the Coalition’s work and current issues.

These initiatives have amplified the voices of communities nationwide, especially for smaller and mid-sized cities that encounter distinct challenges. In addition to dialogue, the CRRF has emerged as a key supporter by funding organizations engaged in essential anti-racism work, empowering grassroots efforts to drive lasting change. The NAJC and its member organizations have been direct beneficiaries of this expanded funding which enables us to strengthen our impact and advance our mission. Bravo and thank you!