Supporting Black Public Servants
Addressing systemic racism in the federal public service
Across the country, systemic racism continues to be an everyday reality for Black communities, including in the federal workplace. The Government of Canada is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment where Black public servants are equally recognized for their important contributions and provided every opportunity to succeed. This commitment includes specific actions and investments to address long-standing challenges.
Foundational commitment: the Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service
In , the Clerk of the Privy Council issued a Call to Action on Anti-racism, Equity and Inclusion, acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by Black, Indigenous and racialized communities. The Call to Action requests that the public service take practical actions for systemic change to advance anti-racism, equity and inclusion in all organizations.
Canada’s Action Plan for Black Public Servants
The Action Plan for Black Public Servants was established as a direct response to the need for targeted support. The plan is designed to establish career development initiatives and mental health supports for Black public servants. Since then, the Government of Canada committed close to $50M in Budget 2022 and 2023 towards the Action Plan for Black Public Servants. This funding is dedicated to creating the necessary career development programs and a mental health fund to support Black public servants.
Implementing the plan: the Task Force for Black Public Servants
To ensure the effective development and implementation of the Action Plan for Black Public Servants, the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer established the Task Force for Black Public Servants in .
The Task Force primarily comprises Black employees. Their work is guided by lived experience in collaboration with Black public servants to design and implement initiatives that reflect their needs. The Task Force actively engages and listens through various forums, including check-ins with employee networks, surveys, and discussions with Black public servants to inform current and future initiatives under the Action Plan.
Key initiatives for career development and well-being
In , the Government of Canada announced the first initiatives under the Action Plan. New initiatives were unveiled in . Significant progress has been made, including the following:
- The Black-centric enhancements to the Employee Assistance Program delivered by Health Canada has increased the number mental health professionals in its network who self-identify as Black to 100, as of .
- The first two cohorts of the Executive Leadership Development Program, led by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), were successfully launched in , with 50 participants graduating in ; selection for the final two cohorts has been completed, with 50 Black executives beginning the program in Spring 2025.
- The enhanced Career Counselling and Coaching program successfully launched in , with 60 candidates from across the enterprise joining the first cohort; participants will have access to career counselling services through the Public Service Commission of Canada, in addition to the opportunity to participate in workshops designed to support Black public servants’ career development and mental health.
- The Second Official Language Training Initiative for Black public servants, led by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, is providing 1,000 Black public servants with access to online self-directed learning; successful candidates will have access to online learning tools until , in addition to mental health and wellness support through Health Canada services.
- The Aspiring Directors Program, developed in collaboration with the Canada School of Public Service, will be launched in ; the program will support up to 100 Black public servants in developing the leadership competencies and confidence needed to advance into executive roles.
- The Leadership Development Program for Black Supervisors and Managers also provided through the Canada School of Public Service, was launched in ; this program will support up to 300 Black supervisors and managers in strengthening their leadership skills and preparing for more senior roles, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape in the federal public service.
News
- The Government of Canada unveils new initiatives to support Black employees in the public service
- Government of Canada’s Action Plan to support Black public servants
- Government of Canada launches new stream of the Executive Leadership Development Program as part of its Action Plan for Black Public Servants
Additional information
Contact us
Contact the Task Force for Black Public Servants at TFBPS-GTFN@tbs-sct.gc.ca
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