Ending Discrimination

Anti-Black racism runs deep but so does our commitment towards combatting it

June 8, 2020

Amid the horrific scenes coming out of the United States of continued police brutality against protesters in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, Canada’s unions are expressing solidarity with Black communities everywhere, including in our own backyard.

The fight against anti-Black racism and police brutality is based in the long, despicable history of slavery, oppression and colonization of Indigenous communities and Black people in North America. The impact of which continues to be felt today.

There is no reason that Black people in Canada should die at the hands of our police services. Yet the deaths of Black Canadians, Abdirahman Abdi, Bony Jean-Pierre, D’Andre Campbell and most recently under investigation, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, demonstrate that anti-Black racism continues to be a leading cause for the loss of Black lives.

“Anti-Black racism is a destructive force in our society afflicting families and communities,” said Hassan Yussuff, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) president. “Canada’s unions are committed to fighting all forms of discrimination and are urgently calling for accountability and systemic change.”

It’s important to highlight the severe lack of mental health supports, the lack of access to prescription medication and poor working conditions facing many workers who are often Black and racialized. Research clearly shows that Black communities have diminished health outcomes compared to the broader population as a result of historic neglect on the part of our system. This is playing out in this current pandemic, with early indications of a disproportionate impact on Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities.

“It’s time to hold some very uncomfortable conversations and reflect on the policy decisions and choices that have led us here,” continued Yussuff. “The whole country is looking to our government for leadership and immediate action that will lead to real and meaningful changes in the way Black communities are treated.”

The CLC is committed to raising awareness on the role of Canada’s labour movement to combat anti-Black racism, including providing educational opportunities to union members, as well as to the broader public, and publicly advocating for accountability and systemic change at the policy level.

For further reading related to anti-Black racism in Canada:

Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole

BlackLife: Post-BLM and the Struggle for Freedom by Rinaldo Walcott and Idil Abdillahi

There’s Something In The Water by Ingrid R. G. Waldron

Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada edited by Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, and Syrus Marcus Ware

Find more resources here.

 

 

  • Ending Discrimination
  • Statement on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks

    October 7, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • True reconciliation requires meaningful action, not just symbolic gestures

    September 30, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Social Justice and Democracy
  • CANADA’S UNIONS CALL ON MPs TO PRIORITIZE WORKERS IN UPCOMING PARLIAMENTARY SESSION

    September 16, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Global union leaders affirm support for Palestinian trade unions and the Palestinian people

    June 11, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Pride 2024: No one left behind: Equality, freedom, and justice for all

    June 1, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Workplace Health and Safety
  • On Injured Workers Day, Canada’s unions say: safe work now!

    May 31, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada must address systemic racism and discrimination in the workforce

    March 21, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada can deliver gender justice for women by improving care

    March 8, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Pink Shirt Day: 2SLGBTQI+ kids should be free to be themselves

    February 28, 2024
    Click to open the link