December 18, 2024 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Black communities by putting forward transformational investments and initiatives that empower people of African descent, combat anti-Black racism, and address longstanding and systemic barriers to their social and economic inclusion.
The Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, welcomed a second International Decade for People of African Descent that was adopted on December 17. Canada co-sponsored this proposal, which will span from January 2025 to December 2034 and serve as an opportunity to further Canada's efforts to empower and improve the wellbeing of Black communities.
In 2018, Canada endorsed the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, serving as a roadmap for investing in Black-led and Black-serving initiatives across the country. Since then, Canada has made transformative investments, committing up to $872 million to Black-focused initiatives, ranging from racial justice and entrepreneurship to economic dignity.
In addition, the 2024 Fall Economic Statement proposes to invest:
- $36 million in 2025-26 to extend the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative;
- $189 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, for the Black Entrepreneurship Program to help Black entrepreneurs and business owners thrive;
- $9.5 million over two years, starting in 2025-26, to help Black youth overcome employment barriers through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program; and
- $77.9 million over two years, starting in 2025-26, to launch Canada's Black Justice Strategy.
These proposed new investments bring the total investment to improve the social and economic welfare of Black Canadians and to tackle systemic inequities impacting Black communities to over a billion dollars. As the second Decade begins, the Government of Canada will continue to build on these efforts, fostering a country where all Canadians can succeed and where Black Canadians can thrive.
