By Canadian Press

Report details anti-Black racism in the public service, calls for commissioner

Nov 12, 2024 | 10:24 AM

OTTAWA — A government-funded report says Black executives within the public service are subject to harassment and intimidation, career stagnation, unjust workloads and, as one executive wrote, a “cesspool of racism.”

Rachel Zellars, a lawyer who authored the report for the Black Executives Network, wrote that the interviews she conducted with 73 participants were the “most distressing” she witnessed and recorded.

The report says executives were threatened physically, were subject to racist slurs and were harassed and intimidated, with Black women bearing the brunt of the abuse.

That resulted in workplace conflicts “so severe that they led to chronic depression, the use of antidepressant medications and suicide attempts,” she wrote.

Zellars recommends the public service ensure accountability for prevention of anti-Black workplace harassment and violence, appoint a Black equity commissioner and mandate cultural competency training.

powers out

Over 30,000 homes across Nanaimo, Gabriola & Oceanside without power as wind storm hits

3h ago

move that snow

Snow removal for priority walking routes in Parksville under consideration

5h ago

expect delays

Some Nanaimo ferries cancelled ahead of wind storms arrival

8h ago

Gerard Etienne, a former executive in the public service, says a commissioner would be a step toward fixing an endemic problem and their work would be more effective than having people rely on the Human Rights Commission, which doesn’t have a singular focus on anti-Black racism.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press