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Wednesday, March 25, 2020, 15:01
Trudeau warns against discrimination
By Rena Li in Toronto
Wednesday, March 25, 2020, 15:01 By Rena Li in Toronto

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses Canadians on the COVID-19 situation from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Canada, March 24, 2020. (SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP)

While some politicians have repeatedly defended calling COVID-19 the "Chinese virus" by saying "it's not racist at all", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned against racial discrimination amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

"Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reflect on the progress made in Canada and around the world to end all forms of racial discrimination," Trudeau said in a statement published on Saturday.

It is more important than ever to avoid the spread of fear, misinformation, and stigma. In times of need, our strength is determined by our ability to support and care for each other, as neighbors and as a community.

Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister

Canada had at least 2,035 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 20 deaths as of Monday. Ontario Province said that non-essential businesses must close for at least 14 days starting late on Tuesday in efforts to stem the pandemic.

"It is more important than ever to avoid the spread of fear, misinformation, and stigma. In times of need, our strength is determined by our ability to support and care for each other, as neighbors and as a community," Trudeau said. "I encourage Canadians to stand up together against discrimination and racism, and to promote our values of respect for diversity, inclusion, and openness."

ALSO READ: Washington under fire for labeling coronavirus

Yves Tiberghien, a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia, said the world must face this emergency without divisiveness. "Otherwise, we will suffer greatly separately," he said.

"We need urgent cooperation at all levels to share information and medical resources and solve the medical emergency. We need to learn from this crisis to be ready for all future pandemics that will be springing up from various origins in coming years.

"We also need urgent cooperation to deal with a global economic and financial crisis that is now potentially as dangerous as 2008. To make this possible, all countries must focus on mutual respect and on the common good. It is in the interest of all to do this and to set aside tit-for-tat accusations and targeted measures."

READ MORE: China slams using name of virus to stigmatize

Liu Mingyao, director of the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, said the experience and data from China, especially Wuhan, the initial epicenter of the outbreak, has been used by every country to design national strategies for fighting COVID-19 based on their own situations.

Liu, referring to a string of days with no new locally transmitted cases in China, said the trend "greatly encourages" people globally.

READ MORE: WHO chief: Wuhan provides hope for rest of the world

"It sends a clear signal that this disease can be controlled and conquered, as long as we work together (with) work based on scientific evidence and principle," Liu said.

According to Liu, the control of COVID-19 in Singapore, Japan and South Korea also gives people great encouragement and hope that under rigorous controls, the disease can be quickly limited and eventually eliminated.

lindadeng@chinadailyusa.com


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