Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities Message: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2023 - Defence Stories

On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we remember the 69 victims who were shot and killed by police for peacefully protesting apartheid “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960. This is a day to stand in solidarity with those who have struggled and those who continue to struggle against racism and racial discrimination.

As the Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities and a member of the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture Team, I am deeply honoured to connect with you on this important occasion. It saddens me that racial discrimination is an ongoing problem in our world, and that its harmful effects continue to have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and societies around the globe.

This day is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that while progress has been made, racialized people in Canada continue to face discrimination every day. It’s also a day to reaffirm our goal to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination in our workplace. All human beings are born equal in dignity and rights, and any act or omission motivated by racism is unacceptable, objectively wrong, and morally reprehensible.

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are institutions that safeguard the security of Canadians of all backgrounds. To best serve the country we defend, our Defence Team needs to better reflect the Canadians who depend on us every day. Therefore, we must prioritize greater representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization.

Each of us has a responsibility to contribute to the evolution of our culture. We must challenge ourselves to improve our racial literacy, acknowledge our past mistakes, and make amends to be anti-racist moving forward, meaning we must actively affect change. It is imperative that we educate ourselves on the challenges faced by our racialized colleagues, listen to their experiences, and support them in every possible way.

I am proud to say that there are resources and organizations available to Defence Team members to help eliminate racial discrimination. The Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group (accessible only on the National Defence network) strives to contribute to employment equity objectives and enhance diversity within DND/CAF. Within the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture, the Director Anti-Racism Implementation (DARI) is focused on examining racism and discrimination within the Defence Team and identifying and supporting measures to increase the representation and advancement of racialized Defence Team members. DARI recently launched the Anti-Racism Resource Hub, a website with guides, tip sheets, and resources to help Defence Team members on their journey to accelerate systemic change within the Department.

Let us ensure that all new or current members of the organization feel they belong and can contribute meaningfully to operational success. It is important to promote safe and open dialogue regarding racial discrimination throughout all levels of the Defence Team to prevent its occurrence. Additionally, it is important to advocate for supporting those who stand up against racism and address their concerns. Ultimately, it is crucial to oppose discrimination in all forms and make the DND/CAF a safe, inclusive environment for all members, free from harassment or violence. We must do everything in our power to ensure that every human being is treated with dignity and respect.

Commodore Jacques Olivier

Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities
Director General Professional Conduct and Development, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture