Feds’ policing reforms should respect self-governance of Indigenous people, say experts, Parliamentarians, in wake of deadly, violent run-ins with police
As the government works toward a new legislative framework aimed at improving the relationship between police and Indigenous people, some Parliamentarians and Indigenous experts say reforms should be rooted in self-determination, greater autonomy, and self-governance. Such changes could better reflect Ottawa’s commitment to reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, […]
Trudeau shouldn’t abdicate leadership on quashing systemic racism to ‘consensus’ rule
Despite the prime minister’s repeated platitudes on the need to do “more” to tackle systemic anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism in Canada, he has signalled the existence of a significant loophole he can use to not do much at all. Much like other matters of import in this country, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to have […]
Systems are made up of people, systemic racism is based in people
OTTAWA—Racism is harmful. Racism simply says there is no room for those who look different. Anti-racism is a commitment to the value of equity and human rights. One must value the human rights of others, including others who are different, to be inclusive. One must uphold the principle of equity for all, not just those […]
Prejudice with power is racism
“Rats and roaches live by competition under the law of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy.”—Wendell Berry If someone indicates that they find something to be offensive and/or racist, they are identifying an action that they perceive to be unacceptable. Expecting a […]
Blair defends RCMP Commissioner Lucki, says she has ‘deep,’ ‘profound’ understanding of systemic racism
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair defended the head of the RCMP, who has been widely criticized over comments around the existence of systemic racism in policing. In testifying before the Senate during a Committee of the Whole hearing Thursday on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, Mr. Blair (Scarborough Southwest, Ont.) was pressed on whether RCMP Commissioner […]
Where’s the money?: Questions loom over need for better foreign policy funding
Following Canada’s failure to win a seat on the UN Security Council, foreign affairs experts and former diplomats are raising the concern that funding for Global Affairs is insufficient despite budget increases over the last four years. Former Chrétien-era cabinet ministers and past diplomats Allan Rock and Sergio Marchi penned an op-ed this week in […]
The political mastery of Singh’s dramatic House stand
OTTAWA—Canada is the mediocre white guy in middle management who thinks he’s Walter White. So basically, Canada is Thomas Mulcair. This lack of self-awareness, fuelled by the aromatic scents of white supremacy, is why Canada thinks it’s not racist (in fact, I just spit out my coffee laughing at such a preposterous notion). To be […]
Beleagured Trump signals he’s betting it all on a white racist backlash
OTTAWA—The trajectory of the U.S. presidential election campaign clarified itself on the weekend as President Donald Trump confirmed the unyielding position he is carving out as Americans arrive at an epochal moment of truth in their troubled race relations. If there was any doubt that Trump would pursue the most dangerous, hateful strategy possible, one of inciting […]
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 […]
