Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination

The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination (CAWD) is an initiative of the Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), formed to address the urgent need for a unified effort to combat systemic discrimination within Canada’s public service.

CAWD was created to bring together a broad coalition of organizations, including labor unions, advocacy groups, and community organizations, all dedicated to challenging and dismantling the pervasive injustices that continue to affect public service employees, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities.

CAWD’s mission is to eliminate workplace discrimination and promote equity, inclusion, and justice within the public sector. Through coordinated efforts such as public awareness campaigns, and direct engagement with government officials, CAWD is committed to ensuring that every public service employee has the opportunity to work in an environment free from discrimination and systemic bias.

CAWD builds on the momentum of ongoing efforts to address anti-Black racism and other forms of discrimination, striving to create lasting change and a truly inclusive public service.

Campaigns

On February 26, 2024, the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination, led by the Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), filed a significant complaint with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) against the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This complaint was grounded in findings from the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) and the Senate Human Rights Committee, which exposed extensive anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination within the CHRC. The complaint called for a thorough investigation and external accountability, arguing that the CHRC had failed to uphold its mandate of protecting human rights, especially for Black employees.

Responding to this complaint, GANHRI announced on June 7, 2024, that it would conduct a Special Review of the CHRC. This review, an unprecedented move for Canada, placed the CHRC’s “A” status accreditation in jeopardy, a status critical for its role in addressing issues before the UN Human Rights Council. The review was seen as a critical step in holding the CHRC accountable and ensuring that it aligns with international human rights standards. The Coalition welcomed this review as a necessary measure to enforce genuine reforms and ensure justice for those affected by systemic racism within the CHRC.

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International Complaint and Special Review Against the Canadian Human Rights Commission

National Attention on Widespread Discrimination at the Privy Council Office

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On July 9, 2024, the Coalition released a report by Dr. Rachel Zellars, shining a light on the pervasive discrimination within the Privy Council Office (PCO). The report revealed a workplace rife with racial slurs, microaggressions, and a culture that severely hindered the career advancement of Black, Indigenous, and racialized employees. This exposure of the PCO, the highest office in the federal public service, underscored the depth of systemic racism within Canada’s government institutions and amplified calls for urgent reforms.

The PCO is the pinnacle of Canada’s federal public service, responsible for advising the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, and overseeing the operation of the government. It is a key institution that not only sets the tone for governance across Canada but also serves as the central nerve of the federal public service, managing 137 departments, agencies, and organizations.

Emancipation Day March for Justice

On Emancipation Day, August 1, 2024, the Coalition organized a powerful rally and march in Ottawa, starting at the Human Rights Monument and ending at the Privy Council Office. This event was a pivotal moment, demanding accountability from the leaders implicated in fostering a discriminatory environment at the PCO. The march also reinforced the Coalition’s demands for broader systemic reforms, including the establishment of a Black Equity Commissioner and a Department of African Canadian Affairs. The event served as both a commemoration of Emancipation Day and a resolute call for justice and equality in Canada’s federal institutions.

PCO employees describe, in a report accessed through the Access to Information Act, a workplace culture where racial stereotyping, microaggressions and verbal abuse were normalized, and the N-word used with impunity. Black, Indigenous, and racialized employees were also shut out of career-advancing opportunities and clustered in temporary and lower-level positions, compared to their white colleagues.

Emancipation Day marks the liberation of enslaved Indigenous and Black peoples in the British Empire on August 1, 1834. Black communities have celebrated Emancipation Day since the 1850s, but it was only officially designated in Canada in 2021.

The Coalition is calling for:

The immediate resignation of Deputy Clerk Natalie Drouin, who was responsible for the discrimination file since 2021; and the resignation of Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Ministerial Services and Corporate Affairs, Matthew Shea.
The appointment of a Black Equity Commissioner.
The establishment of a Department of African Canadian Affairs to centralize and prioritize anti-Black racism work.
That Black Canadians be added as an employment equity group, as promised by the federal government.

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Members

The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination (CAWD) is proud to be supported by a growing and diverse membership that brings together some of the most influential organizations committed to fighting discrimination and promoting equity within Canada’s public service. Our members include:

Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC): One of Canada's largest unions, representing over 240,000 workers in the federal public service and beyond, PSAC is dedicated to improving the lives of all workers, with a strong focus on equity and social justice.

Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE): Representing over 25,000 professional employees across various federal departments, CAPE is committed to ensuring that their members work in an environment that is free from discrimination and supports fair treatment for all.

National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE): With over 425,000 members across Canada, NUPGE is a strong advocate for the rights of public sector workers and is actively involved in efforts to combat systemic racism and discrimination in the workplace.

Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA): An organization dedicated to supporting Black nurses in Canada, CBNA works to promote diversity and inclusion within the healthcare sector and beyond, ensuring that Black professionals are recognized and supported.

The Enchanté Network: A national network that connects and supports 200 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, The Enchanté Network is committed to fostering inclusive environments that respect the diversity of all identities and experiences.

The Red Coalition: Focused on addressing racial disparities and advocating for the rights of racialized communities, The Red Coalition is a key partner in the fight against systemic racism in Canada.

Federation of Black Canadians (FBC): A national, non-profit organization that works to advance the social, economic, political, and cultural interests of Black communities in Canada, FBC plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and recognition of Black Canadians.

613-819 Black Hub: A regional organization serving the Black communities of Ottawa and Gatineau, 613-819 Black Hub is dedicated to empowering Black Canadians through community engagement, advocacy, and support services.

The Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC): Centered around supporting the mandate of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, BCCSC works to address systemic racism and promote the rights and well-being of Black Canadians. Their efforts are aligned with the global initiative to recognize and support the contributions of people of African descent.

Become a Member

At the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination (CAWD), we are united in our mission to combat systemic discrimination and promote equity across Canada’s federal public service. We believe that lasting change is possible when organizations come together, share resources, and amplify their efforts. We invite your organization to become a member of CAWD and join us in our collective pursuit of justice, fairness, and inclusion in the workplace.

Why Join CAWD?

As a member of CAWD, your organization will be part of a powerful coalition dedicated to addressing and eliminating workplace discrimination, particularly anti-Black racism, within federal institutions. By joining forces, we can:

Amplify Our Impact: Work together to influence policies, advocate for systemic change, and hold institutions accountable.
Share Resources and Expertise: Leverage the collective knowledge and experience of diverse organizations to develop effective strategies and initiatives.
Support One Another: Build a strong network of support that empowers all members to achieve our shared goals of equity and justice.

Membership Conditions

To ensure that CAWD remains a unified and effective force for change, we ask that all member organizations adhere to the following standard conditions:

1. Alignment with CAWD’s Values:

Members must support and uphold the core values of CAWD, including a commitment to equity, inclusion, and the elimination of systemic discrimination.

2. Active Participation:

Members are encouraged to actively participate in CAWD initiatives, including press conferences, contributing to campaigns, and engaging in advocacy efforts.

3. Financial and In-Kind Support:

To advance CAWD’s mandate, members are expected to provide financial contributions or in-kind support. This support could include offering services, resources, or expertise that align with CAWD’s goals.

4. Collaborative Spirit:

Members should be willing to collaborate with other organizations within the coalition, share best practices, and work collectively toward common objectives.

How to Join:

If your organization is committed to advancing workplace equity and combating systemic discrimination, we encourage you to apply for membership in CAWD. To express your interest or to learn more about the benefits and responsibilities of membership, please fill out the form below.

Together, we can create a public service that reflects the diversity and values of Canada and ensures that all employees are treated with dignity and respect.