The federal government is challenging an important legal victory for Black public service workers. After a major decision by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (The Commission) to refer our systemic racism complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (The Tribunal), the government is now attempting to overturn it through the Federal Court. 

After decades, this government is once again trying to avoid accountability for discrimination in hiring and promotions. By using technical excuses, the employer is seeking to send the case back into the administrative machine, which could delay justice by several years. 

"PSAC strongly opposes the government’s move to challenge this decision. Instead of addressing systemic racism in its ranks, the government is spending millions to fight its own Black employees," said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. "Itcannot claim to  support justice on one hand, while using taxpayer money to silence workers on the other." 

The Canadian Human Rights Commission's February decision was a major win. By referring the complaint to the Tribunal, the Commission opened the door to an independent and public investigation. This step makes justice possible for Black workers and allows the Tribunal to implement systemic remedies to address decades of discrimination in hiring, promotions, and harassment.   

However, justice has stalled. The government’s Federal Court challenge is a move to block the Tribunal from hearing the complaint. If the Court accepts the government’s arguments, the case could return to the preliminary stage, adding years of delayto an already lengthy process. 

The federal government must end these procedural delays and allow justice to move forward.  

Beyond this case, immediate action is possible.  Ottawa should address the patterns of discrimination raised by Black Class Action members by finally implementing the recommendations of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force, including recognize Black workers as a distinct equity group. 

PSAC will continue to defend Black public service workers and keep members informed about developments in this fight for justice.