QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion
June 3, 2026
My question is for the Government Representative.
Prime Minister Carney recently announced an Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion. While council membership includes voices from various marginalized communities, there are no advocates for Black Canadians on this council.
Recent RCMP stats on hate-related offences show us that while national hate crimes have spiked 32%, doubling since 2019, Black Canadians remain the most targeted racial group at 37% of these offences, despite comprising just 4.3% of the population.
The evidence shows that Black Canadians face a unique risk of violence. Senator Moreau, if the express purpose of this council is the protection of rights and the promotion of equality and inclusion, why are Black Canadians excluded?
That’s an important issue and question. The advisory council has been formed to combat racism and hate in all forms and their intersectionality and to guide the Government of Canada as we build a fairer, more just and more inclusive country.
You are right. While there is no specific member representing each individual community that has faced discrimination or prejudice in Canada, the committee still has a mandate to reassess, develop, improve and measure government action for all groups, including Black Canadians, who face historical and systemic injustices.
In addition, the government is working with Black communities to advance Canada’s Black Justice Strategy to specifically combat the overrepresentation of Black people in our criminal justice system and as victims of crime and to address systemic discrimination, which includes a 10-year implementation plan backed by a $276-million investment.
Senator Moreau, you have to agree that at this point in time in history, and based on the statistics I just read, that is truly a huge oversight in terms of excluding Black voices on this critical council, which was announced with much fanfare yesterday.
We would like to know — I would like to know — from the Prime Minister’s Office itself when there will be representation on the council.
I will raise your question with the Prime Minister’s Office and get back to you with an answer.
My understanding is that this is the first draft of the committee. I think it’s an evolving situation. Your question is accurate, and I will raise it with the Prime Minister.
