The Black Class Action Secretariat launches their first Canadian Chapter in Quebec

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

On October 24^th, 2022, the Black Class Action Secretariat launched their first Canadian chapter in Quebec to support Black Francophone Canadians represented in the class action. Representatives from Amnistie Internationale, an organization that began by calling for the release of political prisoners, and now has extended their action to the defence of all human rights, stood with BCAS for the launch. Together, they are working to protect and empower BIack and Indigenous workers across Canada.

In February 2022 research by KPMG in Canada found that nearly seven out of 10 (68%) Black Canadians say their employers have made progress on following through on their promises to be more equitable and inclusive for Black employees, and their managers and senior leaders have a better understanding of the systemic barriers Black Canadians face.

It was also reported that barely half have seen these efforts translate into better job opportunities. Roughly one-third (35%) believe their prospects for advancement have improved with a breaking down of systemic barriers, and 19% feel they were offered a job they wouldn’t have a year and a half ago. However, nearly four in 10 say nothing much has changed, and systemic barriers continue to hold back progress. Nearly one in 10 say things have become worse.

Mr Nicholas Marcus Thompson (Executive Director of BCAS) has been instrumental in organizing all aspects of the Black Class Action lawsuit, including leading campaigns for mental health support and amendments to the Employment Equity Act.

Over the past two years, they have been working diligently to bring attention and action to the issue of anti-Black racism in Canada’s federal public service. Last month I spoke with Mr Nicholas Marcus Thompson about their submission to the UN Commission for Human Rights Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

On September 28^th, 2022, representatives of the BCAS, together with partner Amnesty International Canada (Amnesty), joined forces to shed light on the historic and on-going human rights violations faced by Black employees in Canada’s federal public service. In our discussion, Nicholas shared story after story of workers who have endured anti-Black hate and anti-Black racism, both covertly and overtly, over the course of decades in the service of their country.

In a recent press release, Nicholas shared his thoughts on the appointment of Alain Babineau,

“We are pleased to announce that Alain Babineau has been appointed as the Director of Quebec Operations. Mr. Babineau served in law enforcement for 30 years with: the Ontario Provincial Police, the Military Police of Canada, and the RCMP.

Mr. Babineau is a jurist and a trained mediator, and over the last few years, he has worked as an expert in racial and social profiling for the Office of the Commissioner for the Fight against Racism and Systemic Discrimination in the City of Montreal, and as an advisor to the Center de Research Action on Race Relations (CRARR).

In his new role, Mr. Babineau will run the Quebec chapter, act as the official spokesperson for the BCAS, and will work with Francophone members to ensure that their voices are heard.”

Working with little resources, they have done the best they can to share the stories of unheard, and unappreciated workers across the nation. When examining ways to amplify workers’ voices, they recognized that Francophone voices were missing.

The BCAS is building support with workers and organizations across the country. They have enlisted the support of the: New Brunswick African Association, Red Coalition, The 613-819 Black Hub, the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition, the African Justice Institute, and Solidarity Uganda (East Africa Social Justice Movement).