February is Black History month in Canada. It is complicated history, one that needs to be remembered and understood for what it was and is. Black settlers migrated to Canada in a variety of ways, some fled from their homelands as refugees to survive, and escape persecution and slavery, others were lured here under false pretences and promises from the Government. Whatever has led someone here, Black history is filled with gross discrimination, harassment, violence, abuse, and racism. While there is a history of resistance and resilience, the reality is Black experiences to this day are heartbreaking. The systemic realities continue to be entrenched in all our systems, such as, in the judicial and political system, and our workplaces.
This is a reality of Black persons in the Prairie Region.
Statistically Black individuals continue to be overrepresented in the prison system, with approximately 9% of the incarcerated population identifying as Black, whereas only 3.5% of the Canadian population identifies as Black.
Black members in our workplaces are often overlooked for promotions or job opportunities and are often subjected to micro-aggressions.
Despite the barriers, Black and Afro-Caribbean communities are united in strength and resiliency in the fight for change. They are fighting for their rights, fighting for equity, fighting for recognition in unions and workplaces, and fighting racism and social injustice. Many of the actions that have been making a positive impact have resulted from contributions of strong members of the PSAC.
The groundbreaking Black Class Action Lawsuit was filed in December 2020 by a member of the PSAC. The lawsuit is seeking permanent and long-term solutions related to systemic racism and discrimination within the Federal Public Service. The suit is seeking remedies for those who have been denied work, promotions, or have been terminated due to racialization.
More recently, the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force launched a long-awaited report, with clear recommendations to create the inclusion of a Black employment equity group. Black employees have long been categorized into the ‘racialized’ community, however ensuring a specific equity deserving group will ensure that the barriers uniquely faced by Black workers will be voiced, fought for, and heard. PSAC was not only active in this review and offered a number of recommendations but also developed new and comprehensive training to aid your local representatives in ensuring representation through a trauma informed approach.
Over the course of this month, your union will be holding various events that you can attend and participate in to learn more about Black History Month. Keep an eye out on your PSAC emails as details will be sent out throughout the month.
If you are interested in getting involved and contributing in your local Human Rights Committees, you can find the committee closest to you at the following link: Prairies Regional Offices – PSAC Prairies.
We encourage you to get involved, we must rise up, talk, learn and act together because:
Our Strength is in Our Solidarity.
In Solidarity,
Kathy Ajram
Racially Visible Persons Representative
Prairie Region Council
Marianne Hladun
Regional Executive Vice-President – Prairies
Public Service Alliance of Canada