LGBTQ2 capacity funding a good start, but groups say it needs to be consistent and continued
A new capacity-building fund for LGBTQ2 community organizations has the potential to solve many issues the community faces as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, but some concerns remain among recipients, including over the lack of guaranteed future funding to maintain the capacity to be built. Announced Feb. 11 by Diversity and Inclusion […]
Acknowledgement of systemic racism helps demonstrate energy regulator’s commitment to reconciliation
The Canada Energy Regulator recently acknowledged systemic racism within the organization, and committed itself to systemic change. On behalf of Indigenous representatives who work closely with the Canada Energy Regulator in the oversight of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX), we applaud the Canada Energy Regulator for its leadership. In 2016, when the federal government […]
Media leaders, CAJ weigh in on newsroom diversity efforts 10 months after tumultuous summer of 2020
Ten months after the killing of 46-year-old George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis prompted soul-searching in newsrooms across the country to address anti-Black racism in all aspects of society, there has been slow but steady progress toward bringing more diverse voices into the fold in this country’s major media […]
Good intentions not enough to crack colonial walls keeping marginalized women out of politics
Entering Canadian politics as a 15-year-old immigrant, I had no idea how my trust in our civic institutions would erode as a result of systemic racism and misogyny. When I was 16, I was sexually assaulted at my first Young Liberal policy conference in Windsor, Ont., where I knew only a handful of other delegates, […]
Without a doubt, International Women’s Day will be felt uniquely this year
The statistics speak for themselves—the strength and resilience of women in their communities, workplaces, front lines, and households goes beyond numbers. As we approach and reflect on the one-year mark of lockdowns across the country, the data tell the story of not only the immense contributions of women during these trying times, but also the […]
More than 520 plaintiffs now part of Black public servants’ $900-million class-action lawsuit against government, as feds enlist Bay Street law firm
More than 520 current and former Black federal public servants are now part of a $900-million class-action lawsuit that is alleging decades-long government discrimination, lack of advancement opportunities, and harassment. Three months ago, there were 12 representative plaintiffs. After three months of waiting to hear from Ottawa, the suit’s leading lawyer says the government has […]
An open letter to federal Black employees
Dear federal Black employees, Thank you for your words of encouragement and support and for trusting me with your own stories. Your humanity is not to be negotiated and your voices are never to be silenced. Unfortunately, to work in the public service means as Black employees your value will be disregarded, your talents diminished […]
Daughters of the Vote and gender equality in Canadian politics: the journey continues
On Oct. 26, 2020, Canada hit a historic milestone when the 100th woman was elected to the House of Commons. This occurred when two women candidates won byelections, one in Toronto Centre and the other in York Centre, Ont. For the first time, 29.5 per cent of the Canadian House of Commons is made up […]
It’s time for a private-sector sunshine law
Kudos to The Globe and Mail for digging into the darker side of Bay Street’s dirty little secrets. In a series on workforce gender bias last week, the Globe published confidential information on the remuneration of partners in one of Canada’s largest business law firms. At Cassels, Brock & Blackwell LLP, female equity partners earn […]
The royal tea? Black women are never allowed to be part of the club
CALGARY—It’s possible that we’re starting to see the beginning of the end of the modern version of the British monarchy. Abolitionists are laughing in schadenfreude. Last week was a week from hell for the Saxe-Coburg-Gothas who are at the apex of British society and identity, despite their German bloodlines. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are […]
