Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards want to acknowledge and condemn the continued prevalence of appalling Anti-Asian harassment, racism, and violence since the onset of the pandemic in Ottawa, across Canada and around the world.

Over the last 12 months, our region has experienced a rise in anti-Asian racism including physical attacks, intimidation and verbal threats. Racism targeting our Asian community precedes COVID-19 but it has increasingly surfaced due to the linking of China and the novel coronavirus.

Ottawa isn’t the only Canadian city experiencing a dramatic increase in anti-Asian racism. Data shows that Canada has a higher incident rate per capita than the US. Much of the violence has targeted Asian women, further intensifying the devastating impact of the pandemic. Women, particularly those from priority equity groups including racialized communities, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and the subsequent economic crisis.

We at Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are grateful for the amazing and vital contributions our Asian community members make to the prosperity and well-being of our city, economy, and society every day.

As an organization that serves and amplifies the voice of entrepreneurs and firms, we are vocalizing our support for local Asian businesses and community members who are navigating these very real dangers. We stand with all members of our Asian heritage communities and encourage those across our ecosystem to:

• Patronize local businesses, particularly Asian-owned and operated enterprises including those operated by women, in Chinatown and beyond;
• Check-in on Asian colleagues and community members who are experiencing fear and injustice, and ensure they are acquiring the support and acknowledgement they need; and
• Inform and equip yourself to interrupt racism, sexism, and harassment in all its forms when you see it in action.

Learn more about what to do when you witness racist behaviour here.

Learn about what your organization can do to include Asian-Canadians in your anti-racism work here.

We call on our collective courage to interrupt and combat all forms of violence and oppression. We are stronger when we are informed and equipped to take collective action against racism and harmful actions that target and impact our Asian-Canadian friends, neighbours and community members.

Learn more about our commitments to become a better ally. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our community as we translate our commitments into on-going action.