Black advocacy groups seized on International Human Rights Day by issuing a set of demands for the federal government, backed by a petition signed by 35,000 people.The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination and the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, organizer of the National Black Canadians Summit took action on Tuesday. Convening on Parliament Hill, the coalition presented a petition signed by 35,000 Canadians to the Prime Minister's Office, urging decisive action to what they called address systemic anti-black racism in the federal public service.In alignment with the United Nations 2024 theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, the petition calls on the government to resolve the $2.5 billion proposed class-action lawsuit brought by black public sector workers, and to commit to lasting systemic changes through the following measures:Recognizing black Canadians in the Employment Equity Act: Fulfilling the government’s promise to address the unique challenges faced by black public service workers and ensure equitable opportunities.Developing a Comprehensive Diversity and Equity Plan: Implementing a strategy to achieve proportional representation of black Canadians at all levels of government.Establishing a Black Equity Commission: Creating a dedicated body to monitor, report on, and ensure accountability for anti-black racism within the federal public service.Issuing a Formal Apology: Acknowledging and apologizing for the historic and ongoing discrimination faced by black public servants, as a step toward reconciliation and justice.“This government must stop denying justice for thousands of black workers who have endured systemic racism in our public service,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “Settling the Black Class Action lawsuit and implementing these long overdue changes to the Employment Equity Act are critical steps to remedy decades of injustices and discrimination for workers.”“International Human Rights Day commemorates the global pledge to secure the inalienable rights entitled to every human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, or sex,” said Nathan Prier, President of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees. “The Canadian government continues to pay lip service to ongoing issues of systemic discrimination and racism, but has failed to make meaningful change that will impact the lives of everyday Canadians.”
