It is ironic that as the world would turn its attention to relief efforts in central China and its neighbour to the south, Myanmar, two parts of Asia hit by natural disasters, the results of a human rights investigation into alleged incidents of racism against members of the Asian community in York Region would be released.

The report, Fishing without Fear, said Tuesday racism was behind the so-called “nipper tipping” incidents in York Region last year.

Several Asian anglers alleged they were pushed into the water, threatened and their fishing gear taken during incidents along our lakeshores and rivers.

The report, by former Toronto mayor Barbara Hall, detailed how undercover police officers posing as anglers to probe whether or not there is any validity to these accusations, were greeted with similar taunts and told they are not welcome. A spokesperson from the Asian-Canadian community said he was pleased with the report in that he hoped people would realize racism does exist and would confront the problem.

While it is important to shed light on such incidents so our understanding and acceptance of each other can change for the better, the authors of this report might also have acknowleged Canada is an accepting and welcoming society. It is part of human nature to have difficulty accepting change and differences. In York Region, constant, sometimes dramatic change, in the size of the population and demographics, has become the norm. While there have been bumps in the road in accepting this change and there is always room for improvement, for the most part, our population has done well in adjusting and making others feel at home.

Which brings us to the natural disasters: an earthquake in China and cyclone in Myanmar that have killed tens of thousands and left many more at risk.

Despite our daily challenges to pay the bills, we are a wealthy country that can help survivors through financial and material aid and the lending of expertise.

In the same way we opened our hearts and pocketbooks after the Boxing Day tsunami, there is much we can do to express our friendship and desire to help people in every part of the world who need it. It’s the Canadian thing to do.

Reaching out to these stricken parts of Asia, either through our governments pushing to get aid through or as individuals through reputable charities, will help confirm the accepting and generous Canadian spirit that is alive and well in York Region, despite some of our failings.