#LivingWhileBlack: High stakes on basketball court, school campus, or Parliament Hill
OTTAWA—There is a virulent strain of anti-Black racism spreading through the “I don’t see colour” racial Canadian landscape. Anti-Black racism is distinct and stubborn and it flares up every so often—only the Canadian response is a half-assed topical treatment, rather than a cure. On June 13, the Toronto Raptors ended a 26-year drought by bringing […]
Want more diversity in politics? Start by looking at political parties
The 2015 federal election saw a record number of women, Indigenous peoples, and racialized Canadians elected to the House of Commons. When he selected his ministry, Justin Trudeau lauded it as “a cabinet that looks like Canada.” These gains are notable, but they should not be taken for granted. There are still representational gaps: women, […]
There’s a gaping hole in our democracy
Canada was once the envy of the world with our legislation on multiculturalism, tolerance, and ethnic fairness. But our democracy, indeed all our democratic institutions, have failed us because, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said,” our House of Commons, the heart of our democracy, should look more like the composition of Canadian society”— including more […]
Race and Politics
In the push for women’s empowerment, rural women can’t be left behind
Globally, the momentum for gender equality and justice is growing. Nowhere was this more evident than at the Women Deliver conference, where more than 8,000 leaders, advocates, and experts from around the world gathered in Vancouver from June 3 to 6 to fight for women’s empowerment. Canada is building on and advancing this greater global […]
Scheer’s speech on diversity doesn’t match his actions
During a speech on immigration last week, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said that bigots, extremists, and racists aren’t welcome in his party. Yet, when he had the opportunity to take decisive action against bigotry within his own caucus, he did not live up to his words. In responding to Alberta MP Michael Cooper’s hostile and […]
Where is the outrage?
Those of us who are monitoring hate groups in Canada could hardly believe our eyes. Last week, a 2018 report titled, “White Supremacy, Hate Groups, and Racism in the Canadian Armed Forces,” written by Canadian Military Police Criminal Intelligence Section was made public through the Access to Information Act. It raises serious concerns but you […]
White supremacy should be a matter of grave concern for every government
The terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, by a white supremacist and self-declared “eco-fascist,” Brenton Tarrant, is the latest reminder of the dangers of white supremacy terrorism and radicalization based on a false and racist narrative about defending white Christendom and about the so-called white genocide. After I heard the news from Christchurch, Paris and […]
The glass ceiling remains to be shattered for women in peace and conflict-prevention efforts
When representatives of the Liberal government attend Women Deliver next week, they are likely to showcase their Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), which is supposed to represent a major shift of Canada’s approach to women in its foreign relations. And why shouldn’t they? A focus on gender equality including the promotion of sexual and reproductive […]
Silence is bad for women’s health
Powerful forces of change have swept across the world since the start of the #MeToo movement two years ago. That movement has put the issue of widespread sexual assault and harassment front and centre among the challenges facing women today; it has helped break down barriers holding back women at work and at home. Tarana […]
