External Reference Group

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

The External Reference Group (ERG) is an advisory council established in 2022. The ERG provides advice that reflects the lived experiences and priorities of Black populations across Canada.

The ERG supports the Minister responsible for diversity and inclusion and the Department of Employment and Social Development on the implementation of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI).

ERG's role

The ERG's role in guiding Canada's initiatives to support Black communities includes:

providing advice to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities:
- promoting Black Community organizations inclusion, and
  - targeting barriers to the full participation of Black Canadians in Canada
- sharing knowledge and expertise on anti-Black racism issues in Canada
- supporting work by the Government of Canada on issues related to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD)
providing advice on new issues affecting Black Canadians and communities