Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
Letter on Implementation of the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion

May 4, 2022

Dear Ms. Charette:

Thank you for the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Secretariat for the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians to the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service.

As a senior leader in the public service and a racialized woman, it is meaningful to join other senior leaders in forging a path to a workplace where our Indigenous and racialized employees are met with true inclusion and the elimination of barriers to opportunity that have been created throughout our history. While the Secretariat is a micro-agency, we nonetheless recognize that our efforts contribute to the larger goals of Canada's public service.

To date, within the Secretariat, we have committed to and implemented human resources measures to ensure that we consciously invoke equity and inclusion considerations at all stages of our hiring processes. Specifically, we have actively considered the promotion of equity and representation in our initial hiring processes, and have maximized language flexibility upon appointment and a commitment to continued language education in an effort to address barriers that may be created initially and throughout a continuing career in the public service. We recognize that opportunities for promotional movement within our organization are limited, and are fully committed to continuing mentorship to ensure that we support employees in their career progression.

We also recognize within the Secretariat that we are all responsible, to varying degrees, for ensuring that we personally put in the work to learn about racism, reconciliation, accessibility, equity and inclusion. This is particularly important when and as these considerations arise within our substantive review activities. To this end, Secretariat staff have participated or will participate in learning activities designed to educate about Indigenous history and contemporary issues, racism, anti-racism and unconscious bias. We will continually seek to offer such learning opportunities, including through hearing from those with lived experience, and ensure that we address relevant issues through all relevant staff interactions and create safe spaces for discussion. We will equally continue to stress resources available to employees, including the Employee Assistance Program.

Recent events and a rise in global consciousness have highlighted the degree to which every measure taken to demonstrate active anti-racism and inclusion can contribute to laying the foundation for change that will drive progress now and into the future. Our current system did not arise overnight, and change will be neither easy nor immediate, but this reality serves to underscore the need to begin now. We are pleased to have begun, and we look forward to continuing.

Sincerely,

Executive Director
Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians

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