Allegations of Racism at the Canadian Human Rights Commission

A coalition of eight organizations, representing over 700,000 federal employees, have brought forward serious allegations of systemic racism at the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The groups, including the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the National Union of Public and General Employees. And the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance, claim the body responsible for handling human rights complaints against the federal government has itself discriminated against Black employees.

Citing a scathing Senate report from December which uncovered a “crisis of confidence” in the Commission’s ability to respond to complaints in an unbiased manner. The coalition is requesting the Geneva-based Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions review the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s accreditation status.

According to Nicholas Marcus Thompson of the Black Class Action Secretariat, the Commission, which is mean to advocate for human rights, has instead been guilty of discrimination. “Today, we demand accountability,” Thompson stated.

Addressing Systemic Discrimination

In their international complaint, the groups highlight how the Senate study prompt by grievances from Black and racialize employees of the Canadian Human Rights Commission who report being directly harm by their employer. The report found clear evidence of workplace discrimination and noted its significant negative impacts.

As Thompson argued, discrimination has become an everyday reality for many Black Canadians, yet the body charged with dismantling systemic racism has itself allegedly contributed to the problem. The coalition is relying on the Canadian Human Rights Commission to play a leading role in protecting human rights for all, not act as perpetrators of discrimination.

While the Canadian Human Rights Commission stated it underwent a full reaccreditation review in 2022 and found to be operating according to standards, the allegations underscore an urgent need for reform. As the groups behind the international complaint declare, only through accountability and tangible actions to address racism can trust in the Commission be restore.

Their demand for an independent review of the situation aims to ensure the experiences of Black public servants are finally heard and that discrimination is eradicated from the highest levels of Canada’s human rights system.