As Canada prepares to observe Canada Day amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests demanding structural changes in policing, United Way of King County welcomes the opportunity to focus on our countries’ shared goals of diversity, inclusion, community and openness.

The coronavirus crisis has exacerbated the racial inequities in our society, and the killing of George Floyd and other African Americans by the police has exposed the systemic racism across our nation.

Canadians have flocked to the streets to show their support for racial justice, joining the thousands who have done so all over the globe, because Black and other people of color are victims of racism regardless of where they live.

We welcome Canada’s focus on diversity and inclusion. As Canada’s Consul General in Seattle Brandon Lee says, “Diversity is our strength, and we must foster strong, inclusive human connections with all peoples and races.”

See a message from United Way CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr. and Brandon Lee, Consul General of Canada in Seattle:

We at United Way value the shared goals of inclusivity and an open society in Canada, where the expansion of opportunity is available to all.

Our two countries are connected by more than just geography: we share a language; our economies are closely linked, making Canada one of our top trading partners; and hundreds of thousands of Canadians call Washington state and Oregon their home.

That’s why we thank Canada for their support as they work to raise funds for United Way. We are committed to racial equity and bringing services to marginalized and underserved populations.

On July 1, join us as we observe Canada Day, and let us live united, Eh!