Addressing anti-Black racism in Canada requires concrete action, not empty gestures
The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers has sparked outrage across Canada, with numerous demonstrations, rallies, and vigils highlighting the realities of anti-Black racism and associated police violence in this country. These realities are in no way new. Systemic anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism long predates Canadian Confederation and has been […]
‘We’re finally realizing that we’re unafraid to speak loudly and publicly’: Black Hill reporters, editors weigh in on lack of diversity in Canadian media
A number of Black journalists with decades of experience covering Parliament Hill between them have been speaking out about the ongoing, glaring lack of diversity in newsrooms in past weeks, with one reporter saying he believes this moment is one where “we’re finally realizing that we’re unafraid to speak loudly and publicly.” “If anything, I […]
Economic Reconciliation Policy Briefing
If feds can marshal massive, rapid response to pandemic, they ‘can find a way’ to stop systemic racism, say top experts and some Parliamentarians
The global pandemic has shown the federal government is capable of marshalling resources and a rapid response to mitigate a financial shock, and there’s no reason it can’t show similar resolve in addressing systemic racism in Canada, say experts and some Parliamentarians. “What this period of the pandemic has shown is that whatever you want […]
Senate to hold emergency debate on racism; Conservatives block attempts to table Black caucus statement in Red Chamber
Senators will hold an emergency debate on racism against Black, Indigenous, and Asian Canadians this evening. Senate Speaker George Furey (Newfoundland and Labrador) ruled Thursday afternoon that an emergency debate could go ahead, after it was proposed by Independent Senator Rosemary Moodie (Ontario). Sen. Moodie argued that fighting racism was part of the government’s job, […]
No pride in police history of neglect and violence against queer communities
OTTAWA—Some of you are new to caring about the humanity of Black lives. And it shows. In 2016, when Black Lives Matter defiantly stopped Toronto’s Pride Parade for 30 minutes to demand an end to uniformed and armed police presence—a parade that prominently featured the prime minister—they were met with outrage from the queer community. […]
Defund the police? More like re-think how we fund them
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—A little less than two hours’ drive from here lies the city of Edmundston, N.B. With only 16,500 inhabitants, it is notable for straddling the borders of two provinces and two countries. But not much else. However, on June 4, Edmundston became the focal point of national media as an Indigenous woman, Chantel Moore, […]
Avoid painting all police officers with the same brush in push for reform
OTTAWA—Racism is pervasive in Canada. It is found almost everywhere. We can all do better to stamp it out and make meaningful personal, as well as societal, changes. I have made stupid comments, cracked jokes, and given others what I thought were playful nicknames that in hindsight were not appropriate and offensive. That was wrong […]
Black Conservatives urge more engagement, action from CPC and beyond after endorsement flop
Leadership races are natural moments for self-reflection, and Black Conservative Party supporters say they hope the current race, and ongoing anti-Black racism protests, prompt a conversation about what more the party can do to address systemic racism and bring more Black Canadians into its fold—a conversation they say hasn’t happened yet in the race. “The […]
The never-ending outrage: Canadians need to finally come to terms with police brutality and racial injustice
OTTAWA—The video of RCMP officers attacking and punching Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam is disturbing enough. But the truly shocking part of this episode was the conclusion by RCMP supervisors reviewing the incident that it was an appropriate use of force. Wood Buffalo RCMP said “it was determined (by supervisors) that the members’ […]
