DM/CDS Message: Study on the Black Executive Community in the Federal Public Service

November 19, 2024 - Defence Stories

Recently, the “Study on the Black Executive Community in the Federal Public Service” report was shared with members of the Black Executives Network (BEN) and Deputy Ministers across government. The Study was undertaken by Dr. Rachel Zellars, a lawyer, Associate Professor, and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Social Justice and Community Studies at Saint Mary’s University. It involved interviews with more than 60 current and former federal public service Black executives.

The report relates disturbing, and at times alarming, first-hand accounts from the Black executives who were interviewed who report having experienced harassment, intimidation and threats, stereotypical and racist remarks, violence, denial of career advancement opportunities, performance review issues, denial of language training, and unjust and excessive workloads. We acknowledge that while the report reflects the experiences of the interviewees, it may not encompass all perspectives.

The report also indicates that Black Executives have been the subject of a high number of instances of complaints and accusations about their conduct in the workplace, including insubordination, harassment, bullying, or Values and Ethics Code breaches, all of which were determined to be unfounded following investigations. It shares the deeply personal experiences of emotional, psychological, and physical impacts on these executives and their families. Finally, it provides a series of recommendations for action.

The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector sets the standards of conduct and expected behaviours for all federal public servants in all activities related to their professional duties. Defence Team members also adhere to the DND and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics and the Canadian Armed Forces Ethos: Trusted to Serve. To learn more, visit Defence ethics. 

By reinforcing the importance of Respect for People in the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and through the Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion, we are collectively taking steps to address underrepresentation in the Defence Team workforce and combat all forms of racism, discrimination, and other barriers to inclusion in the workplace. This report is a sobering reminder that work is still needed before all can feel safe, valued, respected and treated equitably.

We are grateful to the executives who bravely and voluntarily shared their experiences, and we recognize that some may experience distress in reading about them. We appreciate that the experiences that are shared in the report may also be the experiences of Black non-executive employees and CAF members. Other executives and employees, including those who identify as women, Indigenous, racialized, a person with a disability, or a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community may also have lived experiences that resemble those noted in the report. We’re asking all leaders to check in with your personnel throughout your Chains of Command and organizations.

Harassment, discrimination, violence and racism in our workplaces are completely unacceptable, and are against the law and our combined Code of Values and Ethics. We understand that reporting incidents of racism or discrimination can be a challenging and sometimes painful process. We want to assure you that the well-being of all Defence Team members is our top priority. If you have experienced or are currently experiencing these behaviours, or if you have witnessed them happening to someone else, we encourage you to report incidents when you feel ready and able. The Defence leadership team is committed to listening and taking appropriate action.

While we continue our important work under the Clerk’s Call to Action, there is an urgent need to directly address the issues highlighted in this report. The Treasury Board Secretariat’s Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer is reviewing the report and, with the input and assistance from the Black Executives Network, has developed a preliminary response plan of actions as a priority.

The Defence Team is also actively building capacity in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and harassment-free workplace. This includes developing tools, training materials, and resources, such as our Anti-Racism Toolkit, to help us all recognize and address biases and unfair power dynamics in the workplace.

We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace where all Defence Team members feel well supported and valued, and are treated equitably, regardless of race, ethnicity, and any other aspects of their identity, background and experiences. This is the workplace we should all expect and which we strive to strengthen every day.