MLA Doug Routley introduces Cycling4Diversity in the BC Legislature.

 

2011 Legislative Session: Fourth Session, 39th Parliament
HOUSE BLUES

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This is a DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY of debate in one sitting of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This transcript is subject to corrections, and will be replaced by the final, official Hansard report. Use of this transcript, other than in the legislative precinct, is not protected by parliamentary privilege, and public attribution of any of the debate as transcribed here could entail legal liability.

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DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

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(HANSARD)

                      HOUSE BLUES

     WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

            Afternoon Sitting

                                    CYCLING4DIVERSITY
                               MULTICULTURALISM INITIATIVE

D. Routley: I'd like to share with the House some information about a great event called Cycling4Diversity. This is a group of cyclists who are attempting to walk the talk, or cycle the cycle, of multiculturalism. We often talk about how we need to respect the differences in our community but then shrink back into comfortable settings after expressing those sentiments.

This is an event that is a mission to Victoria, a bicycle ride visiting nine cities. There have been eight proclamations, one by this House, which proclaimed May 20 to 26 Cycling4Diversity Week. They're building dialogue one city at a time.

Eight to 12 riders will be riding all the way. They stop at schools to promote diversity and awareness of issues regarding racism. They encourage us all to become more involved interculturally and to address the divisions and isolation that grow between communities.

As we become more diverse in this province, we face increased issues of diversity and division. This awareness and creation of a discussion will come to culmination here at the Legislature on the 25th. I'll be joining them in Sidney to ride into the Legislature. They will visit Vic High, a fire hall and one other school.

Ken Herar started this event because he was invited to a Christmas party but then wasn't allowed because they weren't inviting South Asians. He felt that rather than react to that negatively, he would do something positive. So as diversity columnist with the Abbotsford Times, he decided something had to be done.

We often talk about diversity and multiculturalism and the need to heal the divisions, but we don't often live it the way Ken Herar and these people who are supporting this ride do. Our existing communities must embrace each other without sacrificing our own cultures.

The ride will leave on the 22nd and end here on the 25th in Victoria. I'd like to congratulate all the people involved with Cycling4Diversity.