Horgan calls for national anti-racism program; will pitch idea to PM, premiers

B.C. Premier John Horgan says he will push for a national anti-racism program this week during a conference call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his fellow premiers.

Horgan says racism is a vexing problem that requires a nationwide approach to ensure the participation and support of all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

He says he's horrified by the death of United States citizen George Floyd and dismayed at the ongoing anti-racism and police brutality during protests in major cities south of the border.

Horgan says despite B.C.'s efforts to treat people equally there are blemishes on the province's record, including the Chinese Head Tax, the Komagata Maru incident aimed at South Asian migrants and ongoing racism towards Indigenous people.

The premier also spoke out recently against alleged racially-motivated attacks against Chinese-Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Horgan says he is scheduled to participate Thursday in a national meeting with the premiers and the prime minister.