You are invited to participate in an online survey lasting 15-20 minutes, which focuses on workplace racial discrimination and health. If you meet the following criteria, this survey is for you:
To participate, you must be :
• Aged between 25 and 65 years
• Speak French or English
• Currently employed or unemployed for one year or less
• Canadian or living in Canada.
Please note that self-employed are not eligible.
This study has received approval from the University of Ottawa Research Ethics Board.
Before I speak or write, you may see me hold the tobacco pouches gifted to me by elders I wear around my neck. I pray, “Great Spirit and Ancestors, help me always seek and speak or write the truth, or may another truth bringer correct my ignorance so we may all live in an honest community.”
As a Black Indigenous woman, whose Ancestors were enslaved by Europeans’ Royal Assent, this means…
That the monarchy’s hands are drenched in the blood of my Ancestors. It means that the Royal Family had to approve of my Ancestors’ freedom. It means that the French and British benefitted from our subjugation.
The centuries of slavery are the reason my African Ancestors are made up of people from Nigerian, Ghanaian, Liberian, Siera Leonean, Senegambian, Guinean, Congolese, and Angolan descent — stolen people taken to stolen lands. As breeding stock, they forced the strongest to make more.
Then Royal Assent went somewhat as follows; all children under six were freed in 1834 but others were retained for four to six years as apprentices. People in the British Caribbean finally gained their freedom at midnight on July 31, 1838 – a full two years before some in Canada. Canada loves to downplay its hand in slavery.
This means that in Canada those enslaved could have remained so as late as 1840. The spin of history paints those in lights that harm as the heroes even when not exactly factual. I will not uphold their fantastical stories. We cannot deal in truth if we continue to repeat lies.
Twenty million English pounds (£20,000,000) were made available by the British government to pay for damages suffered by owners of registered slaves, but none was sent to slaveholders in British North America.
Not a single cent was ever paid to any generation of the Ancestors for damages or payment for their labour (work) of those enslaved.
So, though I observe Emancipation Day, it is with an understanding that it is a day to mark when European Canadians decided they should no longer own people of Indigenous and African origin.
A day to remind me never to exploit others.
Never convince myself that the ends justify the means.
I will absolutely never use the very ideals that oppressed my Ancestors.
I reaffirm my dedication to dismantle the system of oppressors and their lies.
Indigenous peoples have unique cultures and ways of relating to people and their environment. Indigenous peoples’ thoughts on health and well-being are generally seen as greater and more holistic. With a strong determined community, the keeping of the land and the natural environment are always in mind.
Article 24 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the right of Indigenous peoples to their traditional medicines, to maintain their health practices and to access social and health services without discrimination.
Indigenous women are the backbone of Indigenous communities and play a vital role in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge concerning the environment, traditional medicines, food systems, preservation of language and cultural heritage. Not to mention in some cultures, the clan and nation are past down from the woman.
There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous peoples in the world. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world’s population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest people. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.
Indigenous peoples have wanted recognition of our identities, our way of life and our right to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources. Yet, throughout history, our rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today are among the most disadvantaged groups of people in the world. International communities now recognize that special circumstances are required to protect our rights and maintain our distinct cultures.
In Resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was to be observed on August 9 every year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations to promote and protect the human rights of Indigenous People.
In 2014, the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, a UN Action Plan on the rights of Indigenous peoples was developed by several agencies to support Indigenous issues. The aim was to ensure a coordinated approach to achieving the ends of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and included an improved support to member states and Indigenous peoples.
The International Day of Indigenous Peoples, observed on August 9, is a celebration that honours the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and promote their rights and well-being.
Lenora Maracle National Equity Representative for Indigenous Members Union of National Employees
Emancipation Day in Canada is observed on August 1st each year, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. This day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which came into effect on August 1, 1834, officially freeing enslaved people in British colonies, including Canada.
While slavery existed in Canada during the colonial period, the country became a refuge for enslaved individuals fleeing from the United States via the Underground Railroad. This network of secret routes and safe houses provided critical support for those seeking freedom.
Emancipation Day not only serves as a remembrance of the struggles faced by enslaved people but also as a celebration of Black history and culture in Canada. It is an opportunity for education and reflection on the ongoing impacts of systemic racism and the work still needed to achieve true equality.
In recent years, various events and activities have been organized to raise awareness about this important day, including community gatherings, educational programs, cultural performances, and discussions about racial justice. In December 2021, Emancipation Day was officially recognized by the Canadian government as a National Day of Observance, further highlighting its significance in Canadian history and culture.
Overall, Emancipation Day is a vital occasion that encourages Canadians to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and to actively participate in the ongoing journey toward justice and equality. Further to this, from a union perspective, Emancipation Day represents not only a commemoration of the abolition of slavery but also a broader commitment to social justice, equity, and workers’ rights. Key points include:
Unions have historically advocated for the rights and dignity of all workers and recognizing Emancipation Day aligns with the mission by acknowledging the struggles of enslaved people and their fight for freedom.
The fight for labour rights is closely intertwined with the struggle for racial justice and union leaders and activists should understand that economic inequities often stem from systemic racism. As such, Emancipation Day serves as a reminder that the fight against discrimination in the workplace and society continues.
Present day unions and activists have taken on the roles of advocates for diversity and inclusivity in all workplaces and as such Emancipation Day highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black workers and ensuring that their voices are heard within labour movements. Unions can use this day to reaffirm their commitment to promoting diversity and addressing barriers faced by racialized workers.
Emancipation Day 2024 will be observed with various events and activities aimed at celebrating Black history, culture, and the legacy of those who fought against slavery. To stay updated on specific events and activities planned for Emancipation Day 2024, check your local community calendars, social media platforms, or websites of organizations dedicated to Black history and cultural awareness as the date approaches.
Emancipation Day serves as a vital occasion for unions and activists to reflect on their role in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. By honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and advocating for the rights of all workers. They can also leverage Emancipation Day as a platform to advocate for policy changes that address systemic racism and economic inequities. This includes supporting legislation aimed at improving labour conditions for racialized workers and combating discrimination in the workplace.
Hayley Millington National Executive Vice-President Union of National Employees
Since it was established in October 2023, the Library of Parliament pay equity committee was has been working diligently towards the publication of a pay equity plan in accordance with the requirements of the Pay Equity Act.
During the last meeting in May, the committee conducted a vote on the job evaluation tool and the process for determining the value of work. The committee was unable to reach a consensus on either of these issues.
Despite opposition from the employee representatives, the employer indicated their intention to ask the Office of the Pay Equity Commission (OPEC) to dissolve the committee in accordance with article 28 of the Pay Equity Act and instead create a pay equity plan without the contributions of the employee representatives.
In response, the employee representatives have sent a notice of dispute to the OPEC to request mediation regarding the two outstandings issues. We believe that the present impasse can be resolved and this work can be achieved through the committee. Therefore, the employer has no grounds to claim that it is necessary to proceed without it.
The employee representatives’ have requested that committee meetings resume so that together we can continue the discussions on gender predominance and total compensation. The employer, however, has so far refused to meet again.
We remain convinced that there is still a solution. Members of predominantly female job categories deserve to have their remuneration determined in full compliance with the Pay Equity Act by a committee made up of representatives of the employer and employees.
We will continue to keep you updated on any further developments and the steps we will be taking moving forward.
In solidarity,
Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and non-represented employees at Library of Parliament.
As the Regional Human Rights Representative for Ontario with the Union of National Employees (UNE), it’s an honor to reflect on Pride Month and its profound significance. As a young Black woman and a member of our vibrant union, I am deeply aware of the intersecting struggles and triumphs that shape our collective journey towards equality and justice.
Pride Month, celebrated every June, is not just a time for festivity but a vital commemoration of a movement rooted in resistance and resilience. The origins of Pride trace back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, a pivotal event ignited by the relentless police harassment of the LGBTQ+ community. This historic uprising began at the Stonewall Inn, a sanctuary for many who were marginalized, particularly Black and Latinx members of the LGBTQ+ community.
It’s crucial to recognize the pivotal role that Black trans women played in the birth of the Pride movement. Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman, alongside Sylvia Rivera, a Latinx trans woman, were at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots. Their courageous defiance against systemic oppression sparked a movement that demanded visibility, respect, and equality for all LGBTQ+ individuals.
Marsha P. Johnson’s legacy is a testament to the power of intersectionality in activism. She reminded us that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is inherently linked to the struggles against racism, sexism, and economic inequality. Today, as we celebrate Pride, we honor her contributions and the countless others who paved the way for a more inclusive society.
For UNE and its members, Pride Month is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to human rights and social justice. Our union has always been a staunch advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ members, recognizing that a truly equitable workplace is one where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is free from discrimination and prejudice.
As a young Black woman within UNE, I am inspired by the rich history of intersectional activism. It motivates me to continue advocating for policies and practices that support and uplift marginalized communities within our union and beyond. From fighting for inclusive workplace policies to supporting LGBTQ+ members facing discrimination, our collective action is crucial in advancing the rights and well-being of all workers.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we have come, but it also serves as a reminder of the work still ahead. By honoring the origins of Pride and the contributions of trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, we recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. Together, we can create a future where every individual, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity, can live and work with dignity and pride.
In solidarity,
Des Hicken Regional Human Rights Representative, Ontario Union of National Employees (UNE)
International Trans Day of Visibility is on March 31, 2024. It is an annual celebration of trans and non-binary people.
Rachel Crandell, a transgender activist from Michigan, created the day in 2009 to counterbalance the only day for trans people being Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). It is important to celebrate the living as well as mourning the murdered.
International Trans Day of Visibility, and every day, is a time to celebrate trans and non-binary joy and their lives. Their human rights continue to be under attack with rising hate and anti-trans policies. They also face increased violence, especially racialized trans and non-binary people. We must celebrate their contributions to the community as well as fight discrimination against them.
StatsCan reports that “One in 300 people in Canada aged 15 and older are transgender or non-binary.” While you may not personally know a trans or non-binary person, they are your coworkers, family, friends, and community members. They have also been active in the Labour movement.
Danielle Palmer UNE National Equity Representative for 2SLGBTQ+ People
March 8th is recognized as the International Women’s Day. It is a day to celebrate and rejoice in women and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. We take this time to raise awareness of progress made towards equality and the challenges that we still face.
We can trace the origins of the International Women’s Day to the early 20th century where we saw reflecting in labour movements across North America and Europe a call for women’s equal participation in society. While the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, the United Nation went one step further and recognized 1975 as the International Women’s year. Today, we see March 19th as a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action for women in many countries across the world.
The United Nation’s Motto for this year’s International Women’s Day is: Invest in Women – Accelerate progress. Investing in women is a human rights issue. Investing in women benefits us all.
Women are facing key challenges, still to this day. More and more women have been forced to live in poverty, especially since the pandemic. The evidence is clear, this crisis is gendered. Women’s participation in the workforce fell to its lowest point in thirty years. An estimated 342 million women and girls will be living in poverty by 2030. Women are losing their right to choose in some states in the U.S. How often do we see cutbacks by the government on public spending that negatively impact women and their essential services? Too often. We need to support women the best way we can. We need to allow for more space, safer space, for women to have a voice and allies to amplify that voice.
To celebrate this day and the diverse women who have persisted, showed immeasurable strength and leadership, you can wear a OFL 2024 Diversity Grows Our Strength lapel pin or t-shirt to display your solidarity and sisterhood.
Unions, community organizations, activists and the public are invited to take part in the annual March 8 Project by ordering merchandise and any surplus made from the sales will be donated to organizations that help women. In the past, such donations were made to organizations such as the Ontario Equal pay Coalition, the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Hub Club youth camps, the Strawberry Ceremony honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Rise up! feminist digital archive, various women’s shelters and Indigenous women’s organizations.
Mireille Jaillet UNE National Equity Representative for Women
As a man observing the progression of women’s rights, I find our collective understanding of equality both crucial and transformative. For too long, women have fought an uphill battle for rights that, frankly, should have been unquestioned from the start: the right to vote, to education, to equal pay, and to personal autonomy.
Acknowledging that I speak from a position of inherent male privilege must be the grounding force of this discourse. My gender has, historically and unjustly, been the benefactor of social and economic systems designed to favor men. Yet in recognizing this, it doesn’t diminish the role men must play as allies in the fight for gender equality; rather, it becomes our fundamental responsibility.
Considering women’s rights from a male perspective shouldn’t be about speaking for women. It should be about listening to their voices, amplifying their messages, and actively supporting their causes. The push towards a society that respects and upholds women’s rights is not just about correcting injustices, it is also about enriching our collective human experience.
In every aspect—from legislatures passing laws that protect and empower women, to the boardrooms ensuring equal opportunities and fair compensation, men must be proactive participants. When we overlook the contributions, perspectives, and leadership of more than half the population, we as a society stand to lose.
The protection of reproductive rights is a poignant example of where men’s voices are not to be the loudest but should echo the call made by women for autonomy over their bodies. It is not enough to be passive supporters of a women’s right to choose; men must engage in the political and social arenas where these rights are endangered.
Furthermore, the pernicious effects of toxic masculinity injure us all and perpetuate attitudes and behaviors that obstruct women’s rights. Confronting this is not an attack on manhood; it’s an evolution towards better versions of ourselves that respect and celebrate equality.
Men benefit from gender equality. In homes where domestic duties are shared, in societies where violence against women is adamantly opposed, men experience richer relationships and more stable communities. Moreover, in raising the next generation, it is imperative that boys are taught by example to view and treat women as equals.
In the end, discussing women’s rights from a man’s viewpoint is less about offering a different perspective and more about acknowledging our shared human rights. The pursuit of equality is a shared mission for the betterment of society as a whole. It is a pursuit that demands our action, not just in the public sphere but in the intimate spaces of personal relationships. Women’s rights, after all, are human rights.
Sam Padayachee is the Ontario Regional Representative for Human Rights
In an unprecedented move to address systemic discrimination within the Federal Public Service of Canada, a coalition of leading organizations announced today a formal complaint against the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This coalition includes the Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613-819 Black Hub and the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC), united in their efforts to hold the CHRC accountable for its discriminatory practices.
The complaint, rooted in the CHRC’s failure to adhere to the Paris Principles and its violations of international human rights law, marks a critical step in holding the Commission accountable for its discriminatory practices. The organizations have filed for a special review of the CHRC’s accreditation status with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), underlining the urgent need for reform to ensure the CHRC can effectively protect individuals from discrimination.
The coalition’s complaint highlights recent findings by the Senate of Canada Human Rights Committee and the Treasury Board Secretariat, which uncovered systemic racial discrimination within the CHRC, including higher dismissal rates of race-based complaints and exclusion of Black and racialized employees from promotions. These practices contravene core international human rights treaties and underscore the CHRC’s failure to fulfill its mandate.
As the federal watchdog against discrimination, the CHRC’s role is instrumental in combating discriminatory practices within Canada. The organizations urges GANHRI to thoroughly review the CHRC’s adherence to the Paris Principles and reassess its ‘A’ status accreditation.
The organizations remain hopeful that this action will lead to significant reforms within the CHRC, ensuring it can effectively safeguard human rights and foster an inclusive society.
In addition to filing the formal complaint, the coalition jointly calls on the Government of Canada to take significant steps toward rectifying systemic discrimination within its structures:
Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to create a direct access model, allowing complaints to go directly to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and repurposing the Canadian Human Rights Commission to support complainants with their matters at the Tribunal.
Amend the Employment Equity Act to better reflect intersectionality and to specifically include Black and other equity-deserving groups as designated groups.
Appoint a Black Equity Commissioner as an independent officer of Parliament to oversee and ensure equity across all levels of government and public service.
Ensure Accountability: Following the findings of discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission by both the Senate Human Rights Committee and the Treasury Board Secretariat, it is imperative that those who committed discrimination be held accountable. This includes a thorough leadership review and necessary changes to prevent future occurrences.
Quotes:
Nicholas Marcus Thompson, Executive Director of the BCAS, stated, “Today, we stand united in our demand for accountability and change. The evidence of systemic discrimination within the CHRC is undeniable and unacceptable. Our action today is about restoring faith in our institutions and ensuring that the CHRC becomes a true champion of equality and human rights for all Canadians.”
Chris Aylward, National President of the PSAC, emphasized the importance of this moment, “The Canadian Human Rights Commission’s failure to combat systemic racism within its own ranks strikes at the heart of justice for workers. As representatives of Black federal public service workers, PSAC demands immediate reform to restore the CHRC’s integrity and efficacy. It’s time for action, not words.”
Hodan Ahmed, Senior UN Fellow and Lead for the BCCSC, revised her focus, stating, ” As we navigate through the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, it is imperative that our actions reflect a strong commitment to eradicating all forms of discrimination. The systemic issues within the CHRC not only undermine the values we champion during this decade but also significantly impact the lives of Black Canadians and other marginalized communities. Our call for a review of the CHRC’s accreditation is a step towards ensuring that Canada upholds its obligation and is aligned with its commitments to promote equality.”
