Mayor to address anti-Asian racism

A spike in racist hatred against Asians and people of Asian descent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic will be addressed by Mayor Christian Provenzano at Monday's City Council meeting.

A proclamation to be read by the mayor at the start of the meeting mentions "the trauma and anti-Asian sentiments that require a shared commitment in undoing systemic anti-Asian racism and discrimination."

"Over the last two centuries, immigrants have journeyed to Canada from east Asia, southern Asia, western and southeast Asia, representing many languages, ethnicities and religious traditions, and contributing to Canada’s cultural mosaic," the statement says.

"Asian Heritage Month in Canada is an opportunity to learn about the accomplishments and contributions that Canadians of Asian origin continue to make to the growth and prosperity of Canada."

Tracy Tong, a Cantonese-speaking broadcaster who used to cover Sault Ste. Marie City Council before becoming eastern Canada multimarket anchor and producer at Global News, recently hosted a half-hour special on the issue.

The full broadcast can be viewed below.

Next week's City Council meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.