Speech from the Throne
Motion for Address in Reply--Debate
March 16, 2021
Honourable senators, I rise today in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
During a difficult year, 2020 brought us a historic Speech from the Throne that specifically highlighted the lives of African-Canadians. This was a first. We heard many promises to address systemic racism. Now that I have been in the Senate for just over four years, I wish to share my observations about anti-Black racism in our institution and the effort being made in the Red Chamber.
I will use two Afrocentric principles to make suggestions for how to move forward in a collective way, standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, across party lines.
According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission:
Racial discrimination can happen on an institutional – or systemic – level, from everyday rules and structures that are not consciously intended or designed to discriminate. Patterns of behaviour, policies or practices that are part of the structures of an organization or an entire sector can disadvantage or fail to reverse the ongoing impact and legacy of historical disadvantage of racialized persons. This means that even though you did not intend to, your “normal way of doing things” might be having a negative impact on racialized persons.
By this definition, it is not a question of whether our institution perpetuates systemic racism; it is about how the patterns of systemic racism need to be disrupted. Many people look to federal institutions to lead the way.
The Honourable Murray Sinclair referred to senators as a “council of elders,” and I cherish this description. Honourable colleagues, I urge you to see us as a council of elders as we work to create solutions within our institution. I suggest we use an approach of anti-racism combined with Africentric principles of umoja, which means unity, and ujima, which means collective work and responsibility.
In 2020, we witnessed a global movement through the Black Lives Matter protests. The Speech from the Throne acknowledged systemic racism and promised to address inequities in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, RCMP, policing, equity and diversity in the public service, collecting race-based data and furthering economic development from marginalized communities.
The supplementary cabinet mandate letters issued by the Prime Minister in January of 2021 mirrored key objectives outlined in the Speech from the Throne. These include supporting Black culture and heritage; building on the Black Entrepreneurship Program; hiring and developing leadership roles for Black people in the public service; reviewing of the Employment Equity Act; and emphasizing the importance of applying a Gender-based Analysis Plus lens to all areas of policy.
Many leaders from all parties acknowledge the presence and persistence of systemic racism; however, during my time in the Senate, I have observed a general lack of unity, or ujima. Without unity, we don’t have a clear direction, and our efforts are scattered or siloed. I am proud to be part of the recently formed Black senators group. We are a small group building on the important work of the Parliamentary Black Caucus. These groups do not see racism as a partisan issue. All members work together to advocate for the rights and advancement of African-Canadians while addressing issues of racism within Canada, regardless of party lines.
It is time to turn aspirations into actions. I can see good intention and enthusiasm for creating systemic change. I feel hope for the future; however, unless actions follow those words, I see a pattern of performative allyship. Performative allyship, or optical allyship, is when one creates an illusion of allyship through words and gestures, but those words or gestures aren’t backed up by actions or change. Performative allyship is harmful because the work ends where it starts, and this prevents movement towards systemic change. I encourage allies to engage in reflection about personal actions for change and to expand their understanding about the anti-racism efforts that have been under way by those who came before us.
I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors, especially here in the Senate. Two former African Nova Scotian senators, the late Honourable Calvin Ruck and the Honourable Don Oliver, were doing anti-racism work in the Senate long before June 2020 and long before my inquiry into anti-Black racism, which was introduced on May 1, 2018. Both former senators consistently recognized the achievements of Black Canadians, including the No. 2 Construction Battalion and Black History Month. I encourage all my colleagues to become familiar with the work that has been done before us, rather than reinvent the wheel.
Honourable colleagues, the time to act is now. Let’s focus on the principles of umoja and ujima — unity and collective work and responsibility. I will borrow the line from other marginalized groups who say, “Nothing about us without us.” From Indigenous activists to disability rights activists, the phrase serves to emphasize that those of us with intersecting marginalized identities have the right to be consulted and trusted when it comes to topics that directly impact us. I ask that we move from aspirations of change and performative statements to tangible actions. We need to hold our government accountable to their promises stated in the Speech from the Throne, and we must develop a unified approach to truly address systemic racism. Systemic change takes collective work — it takes ujima — and the time to act is now.
Thank you.
Honourable senators, the title of the Throne Speech delivered on September 23, 2020, was A stronger and more resilient Canada. I would like to bring up two of its main themes to highlight the growing challenges facing Black communities in Canada in these tough times of COVID-19.
To overcome a pandemic requires the work and resolve of every level of government, every community and every one of us. We owe an immense debt to those who served and continue to serve on the front lines, including health care personnel and essential workers, who are often from Black and immigrant communities. These individuals shoulder the burden of care, as well as other burdens, too often for very little pay.
Let’s also not forget the women and men in uniform and the volunteers serving across the country. As you know, this pandemic is the largest public health crisis in Canadian history. More than 22,000 Canadians have died in one year, and nearly one million Canadians have been infected. Worldwide, more than 2.5 million people have died, while more than 120 million have contracted the disease.
These are only statistics. The pandemic is the story of parents who died alone without their loved ones there to hold their hand; the story of workers who lost their job. Racialized Canadians, young people and women have borne the brunt of job losses. The effects of this crisis have been described as a “she-cession.”
Vaccination campaigns have been launched. Measures at the borders are ramping up with enhanced quarantines to deal with the more contagious variants.
The steady rise in vaccine nationalism around the world increases the risk that the health crisis will go on even longer. We must take this opportunity to contain the global crisis and build back better together. There will be no end to the pandemic without equal access to the vaccine for all. Is it time to suspend patents? After all, it was public funding that subsidized the research and development of vaccines.
On the eve of an imminent third wave that is being predicted by our health authorities, it is crucial to reiterate the measures we must take to protect one another: Thoroughly wash your hands or sanitize them regularly; wear a mask properly, that is, it should cover your nose and mouth; and stay two metres apart. I hope that these basic practices will be followed by everyone, both inside and outside this chamber. It is a matter of life and death for us and for our families and friends.
We must not let our guard down even though the vaccines are being administered across the country. There needs to be high vaccination coverage before we can even think of returning to life as usual, without a mask, in society. I invite all public stakeholders, politicians, media and influencers to carefully consider their criticism of the vaccine rollout across Canada. Some polls are showing a decrease of almost 10% in the number of Canadians willing to be vaccinated. That is very worrisome. We must weigh the consequences of our remarks in this era of disinformation. In addition to the influence of social media in conveying these messages, other factors are influencing vaccine acceptance by our Black communities.
To reverse that trend, the Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity is looking to address the vaccine hesitancy historically seen in Black communities. Vaccine hesitancy is twice as common among Black people as it is among White people.
A February 13, 2021, CBC article by Nick Boisvert said that vaccine hesitancy and distrust of health care professionals in general is rooted in historical events. Researchers, activists and patients have also pointed out anti-Black racism in Canada’s health care system. There was sadly another case this week of an Indigenous woman, Ms. Ottawa, that was subjected to racist comments by staff at a CLSC in Joliette, the same city where the hospital in which Joyce Echaquan died is located. We need to figure out how to restore all Canadians’ trust in the public system.
Toronto Public Health says that Black people of African and Caribbean descent have the highest rates of COVID-19 cases and also the highest rates of vaccine hesitancy.
On Monday, March 22, I will be getting my first dose of the vaccine. I will be working with local organizations to try to persuade people in our communities to get vaccinated. Esteemed colleagues, I urge you to get vaccinated publicly as a way to encourage everybody to get their vaccine as soon as possible.
One very important part of the Throne Speech addressed the fight against systemic racism. The government pledged to tackle systemic racism. It committed to doing that. We need improvements across the board in our police services and the justice system. All Canadians need to know that the justice system is there to protect them, not to harm them. It is no secret that Black and Indigenous Canadians are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. That must change. When will this government take steps to ensure that the criminal justice system treats all Canadians fairly and equally?
In Montreal, the Camara case once again brought to the forefront how crucial it is that the government keep its promises to strengthen civilian oversight of our law enforcement organizations and upgrade police and law enforcement officer training, especially with respect to use-of-force standards.
Honourable senators, I had the honour to participate in a panel discussion for youth on racism and mental health in Canada’s Black communities. I thank the Fondation des médecins canado-haïtiens and Mosaïque interculturelle for organizing these panel discussions for youth. Breaking taboos about racism and mental health is not easy. Black youth are dealing with many challenges today.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our youth have been putting more effort and dedication into staying in school. In that respect, I want to recognize the outstanding contribution of Réginald Fleury, the education coordinator at the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal, which is an important part of the community and helps young people to stay in school. I also want to thank Georgette Isidore, a teacher, for organizing my meeting with the students at École Lucien-Pagé in Montreal. It was an honour to be able to work with them during Hooked on School Days in Quebec.
Similarly, Senators Bernard, Jaffer, Moodie and Ravalia also participated in a virtual discussion with students from across Canada to talk about the importance of Black History Month and the matter of leadership in their communities. Each of us met virtually with students from our respective provinces with the support of the SENgage team, which is part of Senate Communications. This year, the theme of Black History Month was “The Future is Now.”
As parliamentarians, we should spend time with our young people so that they take every opportunity available to them to talk about and increase their awareness of current social issues. Let’s encourage all of our youth because they are currently shaping our future. They are our leaders of tomorrow. Thank you.
Honourable senators, it is with a sense of great privilege and humility that I rise today to reply to the Speech from the Throne. While my speech was intended to be delivered in February during Black History Month, discussing Black history and excellence can and should take place on any day or month of the year. Black History Month celebrates the many achievements of Black Canadians and their vital contributions throughout Canada’s history to our arts, sciences, culture and politics. It’s also a time to learn about the lived experiences of Black Canadians and the systemic obstacles still faced every day by Canada’s Black communities.
As was stated in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of Parliament in September last year:
For too many Canadians, systemic racism is a lived reality.
Many people — especially Indigenous people, and Black and racialized Canadians — have raised their voices and stood up to demand change.
They are telling us we must do more.
Honourable senators, Black History Month is a more than a celebration of the past. It is also a time to commit to the change that our Black communities demand, now and into the future.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts put forth by the Black community activists in my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador — Precious Familusi, Brian Amadi, Raven Khadeja, Rioko Milani and Nuna Toweh — who took this change into their own hands. Following the demonstrations against police brutality sparked by the murder of George Floyd, Precious, Brian and Raven founded a Black Lives Matter Newfoundland and Labrador chapter and Facebook page. The page is a resource and platform for Black voices in our province. It offers support for those who are actively fighting against anti-Black racism, as well as for those who are simply exhausted from experiencing it.
Only four days after launching the Facebook page, the group had more than 6,000 followers, and an official release from the City of St. John’s declaring support and encouraging residents to “stand up against racism.” Thank you, Mayor Danny Breen and your councillors for that support.
With the help of community advocacy groups and other supporters, Raven, Rioko and Nuna organized a historic rally at the Confederation Building in St. John’s against anti-Black racism and police violence in June of last year. They were overwhelmed by the turnout. Thousands of people of all racial groups showed up carrying signs and joining together in chants denouncing racism, police brutality and discrimination. Supporters kneeled in solidarity as organizers and passionate speakers shed light on the need for action on anti-Black racism. Organizers worked collectively to ensure any risks to public health were mitigated, including having makeshift medical stations near the steps, distributing face masks to those without them and encouraging everyone to socially distance.
At the Confederation Building, speakers of all ages took turns stepping up to the microphone to share their experiences with racism in Newfoundland and Labrador. Some offered advice for their fellow Newfoundlanders on how to better understand ideas of race and White supremacy, while others addressed Black members of the crowd and encouraged them to keep fighting.
Honourable senators, the launch of the Facebook page and the peaceful protest that followed are catalysts for change. The group has received thousands of messages from supporters wanting to learn how they can help.
While Black History Month is a time to honour and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians, it is also a time to continue to learn and commit to action. As this year in particular has brought into focus, this is also a time to recognize that systemic racism in Canada has deep historical roots and continues to detrimentally affect Black Canadians. Here in the Senate, we share the honour and privilege of representing our regions. We must continue to interrogate our own biases and prejudices, and we must face up to the culturally entrenched prejudices that may exist within our own cities and provinces. Opening up this dialogue is critical to creating a more just and inclusive Canada, and ultimately a stronger and more resilient Canada.
Thank you, Precious, Brian, Raven, Rioko and Nuna and all other local community organizers and advocacy groups, including the Anti-Racism Coalition of Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University Students’ Union, Planned Parenthood of Newfoundland and Labrador and SARFest for sparking this crucial discussion and for your efforts to eliminate anti-Black racism on the Rock. You are our next generation of leaders.
As was stated in the Throne Speech:
Canada must continue to stand up for the values that define this country . . . There is work still to be done, including on the road of reconciliation, and in addressing systemic racism.
Indeed, colleagues, there is still work to be done. Thank you, meegwetch.
Honourable senators, I too rise today to speak to the Speech from the Throne. I know many of us attended the speech where the Governor General outlined the government’s plan to forge a new, more progressive Canada in the midst of the ongoing global pandemic posed by COVID-19.
First, the government enshrined its commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of all Canadians as we continue this fight of our lives. Second, they illustrated the need to support Canadians and their businesses as they brave the worsening economic storm presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government made big promises to “build back better,” with the goal of creating a stronger, more unified and resilient nation. Finally, and most importantly, the government vowed to stand up for equality, walk the road of reconciliation and fight all forms of discrimination.
Honourable senators, I am confident that the government is sincere in its desire to build a better Canada, in which all Canadians — and I stress all Canadians — can feel they’re accepted and included. They can feel that they are part of our great Canadian society.
However, in order to truly achieve this, we must all work together. Especially in the Senate, we are guardians of the rights of the marginalized people, and we as senators have to stand up and speak out for those who are most vulnerable around us.
MP Greg Fergus, who you all will know is the chair of the Parliamentary Black Caucus, kindly provided me with some information on the federal government’s current financial commitments to address these ongoing and daily crises which racialized — namely Black and Indigenous peoples — continue to experience. He stated:
Since 2018, the government has provided $25 million to build capacity in Black Canadian communities, $45 million for a new Anti-Racism Strategy, $9 million to support Black Canadian youth, $10 million for culturally focused mental health programs, and $221 million to help thousands of Black business owners grow their business as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
85 projects, worth $15 million, have been selected through a call for proposals to support the ARAP’s objectives, which will help combat all forms of racism and discrimination, including anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, anti-Indigenous racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.
On the global stage, Canada is recognized as being a pluralistic, inclusive and forward-thinking nation. While we have made great strides to combat racism, honourable senators, much work still needs to be done. We need to walk our talk. We need to remain committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination.
We especially, senators, cannot lose sight of or omit the fact that our country is founded on a history that has dispossessed and continues to discriminate against racialized people, particularly First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We have much work to do as Indigenous communities face —
Senator Jaffer, I have to interrupt you because it is six o’clock.
Honourable senators, it is now six o’clock, and pursuant to rule 3-3(1) and the order adopted on October 27, 2020, I’m obliged to leave the chair until seven o’clock.
We are suspended until seven o’clock. Senator Jaffer, you will have 10 minutes remaining in your speaking time when we return.
