Recent research conducted by Western University in partnership with the Forum Research indicated that indigenous people, immigrants and visible minorities in Huron and Perth counties are definitely experiencing discrimination.
Huron County Immigration Partnership Coordinator, Kristin Crane, says it happens more often in the two counties than most people think and she believes part of the reason for that is that people are often not aware that what they're saying or the joke they're telling is discriminatory. But the person who is the target of the comment and who has heard it several times, it's not clever or amusing for them.
"It is common because we're not aware that we are committing discrimination with some of the jokes that are told or the comments that are made. So it is quite wide spread, but there is an opportunity for us to learn what constitutes discrimination."
Crane says one of the things they'd like to do is inform people of things they can do when they see someone being discriminated against.
"Maybe create some easy-to-access resources, whether it's a little tool kit or a poster that people can keep on hand that kind of gives you tips on how to respond in those situations. You know you have to protect yourself as well as the people involved."
Crane says the research indicates that discrimination is most commonly experienced in workplaces, schools, libraries and arenas, among other locations, and she says they'd like to follow up and get more information.
"Just to follow up and get more information on people's experiences and find out, is it when you're applying for a job, so is it actually a policy or a practice that leads to hiring, or is it in interactions with a co-worker or interaction with your boss."