In May 2024, Peel Regional Police reported an increase in hate crimes related to race, religion and sexual orientation in 2023.

According to the 2021 census, 62% of Mississauga residents identified as racialized and 53% as immigrants. Events happening around the world often affect our residents deeply because of their identities.

The new “One Mississauga” is an excellent initiative through the City of Mississauga encouraging everyone to face and understand the unfortunate and unfounded racism, discrimination and hatred experienced in our community.

In a statement introducing the campaign, the City’s media department says “The One Mississauga campaign aims to foster curiosity, promote unity and build awareness. By connecting community around values of respect, we hope to celebrate the rich diversity of Mississauga.

In Mississauga, we all belong to one community. We want to create a city that doesn’t tolerate racism, discrimination or hate in any way.

Through the One Mississauga public awareness campaign, we are calling out the daily acts of racism and discrimination faced by many in our community. It’s meant to make people stop and think about the words they use, the actions they take and how they affect others. Our goal is to make our community a better place for everyone to live.

We can create a more welcoming Mississauga where we recognize and celebrate our differences and our shared values. When we focus on awareness, education and working together, we can have important conversations that help us come together as one community.