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"I am pleased that the Federal Court of Canada has approved the Final Settlement Agreement of a class action for current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who experienced racial discrimination and/or racial harassment during their military service.
Discrimination is a painful reality for too many people. The work of combatting bias, barriers, and discrimination, which have taken root over generations, demands ongoing, relentless action.
Our institution supports this settlement as it demonstrates the commitment to ensuring that we provide our CAF members with a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace, where one can reach their full potential.
Military members have a fundamentally different workplace experience. In many cases, they work side by side, 24 hours a day, as a unit. When a CAF member experiences racism in the workplace, the cohesiveness of an effective military is eroded.
It is my belief that the key to achieving lasting, positive change is to listen to our members-past and present-at all levels, as it is with everyone's input that a more inclusive culture-appreciative of diversity, equity, and varying perspectives-can flourish."
