FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 13 2024
Response from the Community Advisory Council (CCC) of the Welcoming Francophone Community of Hamilton and its Francophone partners following the Jackson Square incident : A strong condemnation of hateful remarks and a call for community solidarity
The CCC and its partners express their outrage over acts of hate observed on November 9 in front of Jackson Square, where masked demonstrators chanted racist slogans inciting hatred and exclusion.
These acts are contrary to the values of inclusion, diversity, and equity that we uphold within our Francophone communities and beyond.
Immigration: A Vital Pillar of Our Collective Prosperity
Immigration plays a crucial role in the development of our regions and the vitality of our Francophone culture. Each newcomer enriches our social fabric, brings new perspectives, and contributes to economic growth. We must all unite to remind ourselves that immigration is not a threat but an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient, and more open society. Immigration helps fill gaps in high-demand sectors, such as construction, healthcare, information technology, etc., ensuring better development of our municipality, province, and Canada as a whole.
Hamilton continues to grow, partly thanks to immigration. This growth is essential to meet labor needs, particularly in the context of an aging population.
Moreover, immigrant-led businesses generate significant revenues and create jobs. Recent studies indicate that immigrants have founded approximately 30% of new businesses in Hamilton in recent years.
A Call for Unity and Solidarity
We reaffirm our commitment to making Hamilton a welcoming city for all. Diversity is the true strength of this city, and together, we must fight hatred and intolerance. We encourage all residents to rally behind the vision of a #HamiltonForAll, where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of origin.
The CCC calls on local leaders, partner organizations, and community members to strongly condemn these acts of hatred and to reiterate their support for initiatives that promote inclusion and welcome newcomers.
For more information on the contribution of immigration to Canadian industry sectors, refer to the #ImmigrationMatters campaign on the IRCC website.
Benefits of immigration on Canadian sectors – Canada.ca
For Inquiries:
RIFCSO – rifcso@cschn.ca
Phone : +1 (289) 414-0806
www.destinationhamilton.org
