In May 2020, the murder of George Floyd sent shockwaves around the world. In Canada, this tragedy and the many others that followed shone a light on the widespread policies and systems of bigotry and discrimination that Black communities continue to face – even in the federal government and institutions designed to protect them.
The years since have placed a renewed focus on the pervasive anti-Black racism and discriminatory attitudes across the federal public sector. Black employees have long faced additional barriers at work, limiting their hiring and career advancement and jeopardizing their health and safety. In recent years, the government has come to recognize the existence of systemic racism across Canadian society and institutions including the federal public sector, but it has been slow to adopt the necessary structural changes to truly transform the public sector into a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.
Black federal public sector employees have raised their concerns, demanding action and transparency from the government to root out discriminatory practices. They have also asked federal labour unions to step up their support to Black members and work alongside them to shine a light on racism and discrimination in the federal workplace.
CAPE stands in solidarity with these employees and serves as a strong advocate for its members facing anti-Black racism, discrimination and harassment. The association is determined to play a role as a trusted and active ally in uprooting these discriminatory practices and building a fairer and equitable environment that ensures the rights, dignity and well-being of all its members.
Updates
- July 29, 2024 - Press release: Shocking internal report exposes rampant discrimination at the head of Canada's public service
- June 11, 2024 - CAPE joins Black Class Action Secretariat in support of international review of CHRC
- May 30, 2024 – UN forum on people of African descent: CAPE delegates push for greater representation
- December 14, 2023 – Joint statement: Damning senate report of anti-Black racism at the Canadian Human Rights Commission: Unions react
- May 15, 2023 – CAPE and Treasury Board discuss interpreters’ health and safety, anti-Black racism
- March 7, 2023 - Racial discrimination confirmed at the Canadian Human Rights Commission
- December 2021 – CAPE establishes partnership with Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion
- September 23, 2021 – Unions call on Auditor General of Canada to investigate Canadian Human Rights Commission for alleged racism and discrimination
- January 22, 2021 - Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service
- December 8, 2020 - CAPE stands in solidarity with Black public service employees who have filed a class action lawsuit for racial discrimination
- November 16, 2020 – CAPE files policy grievance against the Canadian Human Rights Commission for alleged racism and systemic discrimination
- June 4, 2020 - Let’s stand against anti-Black racism
Publications, tools and references
- March 21, 2024 - President’s message – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- February 16, 2024 – President’s Message: Black History Month – Advancing Justice and Equity
- May 2023 – Recommendations in the wake of Anti-Black Racism and Racial Discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission
- April 1, 2020 – Government of Canada’s Directive on Employment Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- About Bill C-65, the Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence).
- Canadian Human Rights Act
- CAPE’s Policy on Equity and Inclusiveness
Events and discussion
- July 29, 2024 - Press conference: Federal Public Service Groups Urge Action on Discrimination
- Black History Month 2024 - Fireside chat: Unions and the federal workplace: challenging the status quo for justice and equity
- Black History Month 2024 – Interview with Bernadeth Betchi
- March 2023 - Discussion on anti-Black racism and discrimination in the workplace
- Black History Month 2023 - Interview with Michael Coteau, M.P.
- Black History Month 2023 - Interview with Senator Rosemary Moodie
- Black History Month 2022 - Spotlight on Jean-Sibert Lapolice
- Black History Month 2021 - Interview with Annamie Paul, Leader of the Green Party of Canada
- Black History Month 2021 - Interview with Atong Ater
- December 2020 - Speakers’ Series: Anti-Black Racism in the Workplace
- Black History Month 2020- Interview with Greg Fergus, Chair of the Canadian Caucus of Black Parliamentarians
- Black History Month 2020 - Interview with Janet Akins, EC member
- Black History Month 2019 - Spotlight on Richard Sharpe
