Join the March 21 Campaign

Every year, thousands of Canadians take part in hundreds of events across the country to commemorate March 21 - the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This is one of many ways we strive to make Canada a better place. The Government of Canada's annual Racism. Stop It! Campaign - through a broad range of activities involving community groups, schools, school boards, colleges, universities, parliamentarians and the media - aims to make Canadians aware of racism and inspire action against racial discrimination.

National Video Competition

The Racism. Stop It! Campaign also encourages youth (and their parents, teachers and guardians) to move beyond the recognition that racism is a problem in our society. It invites them to take action to stop racism. A key opportunity to do so is the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition, for youth between 12 and 18 years of age. It encourages youth to produce a short video expressing their thoughts on eliminating racial discrimination. Youth involvement and engagement in stopping racism is critical since it is their attitudes, values and relationships that will shape Canadian society in the future.

Black History Month

In December 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, Jean Augustine, M.P. of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Every year, Canadians are invited to take part in the festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present, during Black History Month. This is a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today.

Mathieu Da Costa Challenge

The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge was launched by the Department of Canadian Heritage in 1995, after the Parliament of Canada had declared February as Black History Month. The Challenge is an annual competition that invites students aged 9 to 18, from across the country, to submit a short story or artwork that illustrates how specific individuals from Canada's Aboriginal, African and other ethnocultural backgrounds have contributed to the building of Canada.