International engagement for racial equity and inclusion at home
Purpose
In today’s interconnected world, working together internationally is crucial for fighting racism, promoting real equality, and combatting hate. These efforts protect democracy and strengthen human rights all over. By working across borders, we can share knowledge and tools, and build better strategies against racism, discrimination, and hate.
Global threats of disinformation
Global awareness on issues of equity and racial justice in the last few years have increased expectations for collective action, including internationally. At the same time, hostile state and non-state actors are working across borders to use disinformation to engineer a global backlash against anti-racism, human rights, democracy, and diversity. They are also pushing for countries to adopt policies and laws to push back against racial justice and equity initiatives worldwide, including in Canada. Strategic collaborations with multilateral and international agencies as well as our international allies will help generate concrete actions to inform advancement of racial equity and inclusion at home.
Leveraging international expertise
Under Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the Government of Canada is working with global partners to build better policies and more impactful programs for a more inclusive economy and an equitable society here at home.
Generating Outcomes
The Government of Canada’s Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat is leading federal efforts to enhance global collaboration to boost racial equity and inclusion.
North American Partnership on Equity and Racial Justice (Signed 2023)
The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat played a pivotal role in securing the North American Partnership on Equity and Racial Justice, collaborating with Global Affairs Canada and U.S. and Mexican authorities. After leading negotiations, the Federal Secretariat ensured a commitment from Prime Minister of Canada and the Presidents of the United States and the United Mexican States of Mexico to dismantle systemic discrimination across the continent. Key outcomes include:
- dismantling barriers to equal opportunity for marginalized communities by driving initiatives in health equity, economic inclusion, education, voting rights, and justice reform
- establishing a Trilateral Expert Network to exchange strategies and best practices for racial equity, while engaging communities with lived experiences to shape public policies and advance social justice
- promoting racial justice globally through collaboration with international organizations like the United Nations, strengthening multilateral commitments to equity and inclusion
Canada-Mexico Action Plan (Signed 2023)
The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat was instrumental in incorporating an anti-racism pillar into the Canada-Mexico Action Plan, signed by Prime Minister Trudeau and President López-Obrador. Key outcomes include:
- launching an Anti-Racism and Equity Digital Summit, bringing together leaders from civil society, business, and government to foster cross-border collaboration in dismantling discrimination
- curating cultural events to elevate marginalized artists and performers, promoting inclusion and reshaping the cultural narrative in both nations
- leveraging global platforms like the FIFA World Cup 2026 to uphold human rights and support international commitments, such as the UN Decade for People of African Descent
Canada-Brazil Partnership on Racial Equity and Inclusion (announced in 2023)
The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat is playing a central role in establishing the Canada-Brazil Partnership, working with Global Affairs Canada, Brazilian authorities and engaging Black communities across Canada.
This partnership reflects a shared vision to create an inclusive, equitable society free of racism—where everyone can fully participate in and benefit from the economic, cultural, social, and political spheres.
Key outcomes will include:
- promoting justice and equal opportunities, particularly for people of African descent, with a focus on eliminating racial discrimination and advancing equity in both nations
- engaging communities to ensure that policies and initiatives address the lived experiences of marginalized communities, fostering deeper collaboration in the fight for racial equity and inclusion
Getting Involved
Learn how you can get involved in international work by signing up to the Canadian chapter of the North American Network for Equity and Racial Justice.