Statement from the Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities

March 18, 2022 - Defence Stories

Observed annually on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) marks the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

Today, IDERD is a way for the global community to recognize that injustice and prejudice fuelled by racial discrimination continue to take place every day. The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) also observe IDERD annually as a way to address racism and further advocate for inclusion and respect. 

As the Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities, on this occasion, I want to remind everyone that all DND employees and CAF members have the right to be treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity in a workplace free of discrimination, in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act. They also have the responsibility to treat others in the same manner and to speak up when someone is experiencing discrimination.

The Defence Team continues to work on creating safe environments where racialized and marginalized communities can share lived experiences, as a way to enhance awareness and understanding. Safe environments are essential; however, the time has also come for us to go a step further: by being bold and creating brave spaces where conversations that empower real change can take place. This reflects the DND/CAF theme this year: “From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces: Racialized and marginalized communities moving beyond SAFE environments where lived experiences are shared – to BRAVE spaces.” Racism and harassment can only be eliminated when open, honest and courageous dialogue happens at all levels. To learn more, Defence Team members are encouraged to participate in the national virtual event for IDERD, as outlined below.

National virtual event for the Defence Team

On March 21, the Department will be hosting a national virtual event featuring senior leadership, the local Defence Visible Minority Advisory Groups and guest speaker Edmund Chien. All Defence Team members are strongly encouraged to attend.

Date: March 21, 2022

Time: 1030 EDT

Location: Virtual (Microsoft TEAMS)

It is important to acknowledge that racism still exists within our workplace and that we must re-commit our efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice and systemic racism to ensure everyone is respected and included. All forms of racism are significant and harmful. Everyone, and especially leadership at all levels, must remain dedicated to understanding and asking questions about what it is that racialized Defence Team members are facing, and participate in developing solutions.

For resources on how to better support and implement the Department’s many equity and diversity initiatives, you may access the Conduct, culture, diversity and inclusion web page (accessible only on the National Defence network) as well as the Canadian Armed Forces Employment Equity Plan 2021-26 (accessible only on the National Defence network). Additionally, the Defence Advisory Groups (accessible only on the National Defence network) are a critical resource for anyone seeking grassroots advice about equity and diversity.

Lastly, I want to remind everyone that awareness and inclusion are everyone’s responsibility. Diversity is a strength that is essential to our military’s operational effectiveness and long-term success.

MGen Lise Bourgon
Acting Chief of Military Personnel and Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities