Investing in Black communities and tackling systemic anti-Black racism head-on are important parts of building an inclusive and resilient country that leaves no one behind. Through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), the Government of Canada is taking meaningful steps to address the significant and unique challenges Black communities face in Canada by investing in Black-led and Black-serving organizations, initiatives and community spaces.
Today, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced the establishment of the SBCCI External Reference Group and its newly selected members. The first cohort of the External Reference Group is made up of seven members of African descent from the not-for-profit, education, public and private sectors. The selection of the members follows a call for applications that launched in 2021.
In recognition of the diversity of Black Canadian communities, and to ensure that a wide range of perspectives are voiced, the members reflect Canada's ethno-cultural, gender, regional and linguistic diversity. During the call for applications, the Government encouraged members of Black communities across the country, aged 18 and over, to apply. The members will serve two-year terms, with the possibility of extensions by one-year increments.
At an inaugural meeting held last week, Minister Gould and members of the External Reference Group shared their overall vision for achieving and working towards an equitable and inclusive Canada. They also discussed the group's mandate and the work ahead to ensure that initiatives supporting Black communities meet communities' needs and priorities. The motto "Together, Our Future Includes Us" was used by members to highlight the importance of Black Canadian communities' voice and active involvement in the ongoing elaboration of strategies, policies and programs that affect their lives.
The External Reference Group members were chosen by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development based on their experience, leadership and expertise in working with Canada's Black communities. The members will work in allyship to support the Minister in ensuring the meaningful implementation of the SBCCI to help build capacity within communities by providing strategic advice, expertise and insight on the emerging priorities of Black Canadians, and to support the advancement of the Government of Canada's commitments related to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
As part of Canada's commitment to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, the Government of Canada is taking positive measures to help ensure that progress is being made on advancing social inclusion and fighting racism, specifically anti-Black racism. Canada's commitments to the International Decade include promoting respect, protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent, and encouraging a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture, and contributions of these communities to society around the world.
The External Reference Group members are:
- Gervan Fearon, Ph.D. (Chair), St. Catharines, Ontario
- Addy Marken, Calgary, Alberta
- Assane Badji, Pincourt, Quebec
- Fatimat ("Toks") Ayinla, Brampton, Ontario
- Jocelyn Stevens, Saint John, New Brunswick
- Judith Bosire, Iqaluit, Nunavut
- Dr. Pascal Balata, Montréal, Quebec
