2015 had many notable diversity-related stories.
Some of these stories make it clear that as a society, we still struggle with issues of equity and diversity. They show us that sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and a host of other isms and phobias are alive and well in Canada. These incidents highlight the need for individuals and organizations to redouble their efforts and commitment to social justice.
As 2016 begins, we wanted to highlight some of the positive equity and diversity-related stories of 2015 that show the gains we've made. While none of these incidents have taken us across the finish line, they have inched us forward on the road to social justice.
Some of these stories make it clear that as a society, we still struggle with issues of equity and diversity. They show us that sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and a host of other isms and phobias are alive and well in Canada. These incidents highlight the need for individuals and organizations to redouble their efforts and commitment to social justice.
As 2016 begins, we wanted to highlight some of the positive equity and diversity-related stories of 2015 that show the gains we've made. While none of these incidents have taken us across the finish line, they have inched us forward on the road to social justice.
There have been a number of challenges in 2015 and in some cases the gains we thought we'd made in 2014 seemed to have evaporated. It often does feel like we take one step forward and two (or three) steps back. But despite these challenges, Canada still remains the best country in which to live and one of the leaders in equity and diversity. So while we still have a long road ahead of us, let's pause and celebrate what made us proud in 2015 and the progress we've made.
From our perspective, here are some of the notable accomplishments or incidents that we think made Canada a better place in 2015:
From our perspective, here are some of the notable accomplishments or incidents that we think made Canada a better place in 2015:
1. Ontario colleges approve policy to address violence against women
In the wake of increasing concern about sexual assaults on college and university campuses, the presidents of all 24 Ontario colleges endorsed a policy in February that outlines the colleges' responsibility for preventing and addressing sexual violence. When implemented, these policies will make these campuses safer learning environments for all young people.
2. Toronto Life magazine publishes an article by Desmond Cole on racial profiling
In April, Toronto Life published an article by Desmond Cole, The Skin I'm In: I've been interrogated by police more than 50 times. His candid and very personal essay helped move carding from a discussion within the Black community to the mainstream.
3. Ontario government launches its violence against women campaign
In March of 2015, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne introduced an action plan to help stop sexual violence and harassment of women. The $41 million "It's never Okay" campaign hopes to start a conversation with Ontarians through TV ads and social media.
The Action Plan also includes stronger workplace safety legislation that would require employers to investigate sexual harassment, better funding for survivor support, and measures to ensure that assault cases are prosecuted more fairly.
The Action Plan also includes stronger workplace safety legislation that would require employers to investigate sexual harassment, better funding for survivor support, and measures to ensure that assault cases are prosecuted more fairly.
4. Toronto elite come together to oppose carding
In June, the "who's who of Toronto's elite" came together to oppose the police practice of carding. While the Black community has been on the frontlines of the opposition to carding, prominent Canadians added their names to the anti-carding campaign, including former mayors, former government ministers, a former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, retired chief justice, and former Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
5. Black Lives Matter makes a mark in Canada
As the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum in the United States, Black activists in Toronto, Halifax, and Hamilton organized demonstrations to remind us that the experiences of Blacks in Canada reflect the experiences of African Americans. In July, about 3,000 people showed up for a candlelight vigil at the Superior Court building in downtown Toronto. They also drew attention to police killings of Andrew Loku in Toronto and Jermaine Carby in Peel Region.
6. Ontario government introduces carding legislation
In October, the Ontario government woke up to the issues of carding and proposed new regulations to ban the random stopping of citizens by police. This action recognizes that the practice of carding is not isolated to particular cities, but is an issue that affects Indigenous, Black and Brown people across the province.
The government maintains that the regulations would establish consistent rules to protect the Charter rights of Ontarians during voluntary interactions with the police. While police chiefs across the province defend carding, the evidence from the Toronto Police Service shows that the random and arbitrary stopping, questioning and collection of personal data occurs most frequently for Black and Brown men.
The community is currently being consulted and their input should be considered in the draft brought forward for second reading in the Ontario legislature.
The government maintains that the regulations would establish consistent rules to protect the Charter rights of Ontarians during voluntary interactions with the police. While police chiefs across the province defend carding, the evidence from the Toronto Police Service shows that the random and arbitrary stopping, questioning and collection of personal data occurs most frequently for Black and Brown men.
The community is currently being consulted and their input should be considered in the draft brought forward for second reading in the Ontario legislature.
7. Greater diversity in the federal legislature and cabinet
| In November 2015, Canada's federal election candidates included more racialized people (visible minorities) than in the past four elections. It was also the year in which Canadians elected more racialized MPs -- 47 in total, making up 14% of the current parliament. |  |
In selecting Cabinet ministers, PM Trudeau also ensured gender equity and racial diversity. While the composition of the Cabinet doesn't fully reflect the full diversity of Canada, it is the closest we've come.
While these gains are notable, the conversations surrounding the announcement of the new Cabinet ministers was also of note. It had some asking, "Could this be the first truly merit-based cabinet in Canada's history?" But it also had some questioning gender equity and saying, "Trudeau cabinet should be based on merit, not gender."
While these gains are notable, the conversations surrounding the announcement of the new Cabinet ministers was also of note. It had some asking, "Could this be the first truly merit-based cabinet in Canada's history?" But it also had some questioning gender equity and saying, "Trudeau cabinet should be based on merit, not gender."
8. Long-form census reinstated
A day after taking office, PM Trudeau announced that the long-form census will be reinstated for the 2016 census. The lack of reliable data was impeding the ability of governments to understand their communities and plan for the delivery of appropriate services.
The return of the long-form census allows governments and organizations to better understand the changing diversity of the Canadian population, including its age, racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic composition, and offer the programs and services are needed.
The return of the long-form census allows governments and organizations to better understand the changing diversity of the Canadian population, including its age, racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic composition, and offer the programs and services are needed.
9. Ontario premier says race lens needed
At a breakfast meeting hosted by Equal Voice, an organization that seeks to get more women of all backgrounds into politics, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne noted that equity issues in government go beyond gender and that a lens is needed to ensure that current and new policies address issues of race.
10. RCMP Commissioner admits there are racists on the force
In December 2015, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson gave a speech at an annual meeting for First Nations chiefs. Following his talk, B.C. Grand Chief Doug Kelly told him, "We encounter racism every single day. Some of the worst racists carry a gun and they carry a badge, authorized by you, Commissioner Paulson … We need you to confront racism in the ranks."
In response to these comments, RCMP Commissioner Paulson told the audience, "I understand there are racists in my force. I don't want them to be in my police force."
In response to these comments, RCMP Commissioner Paulson told the audience, "I understand there are racists in my force. I don't want them to be in my police force."
11. First transgender judge appointed to provincial court in Manitoba
In December, Manitoba appointed its first transgender judge to the provincial court. Kael McKenzie is also believed to be the first transgender judge in Canada.
12. Prime Minister Trudeau commits to implementing all of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
In December, Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued its final report. The 3,231 page report is a sweeping indictment of Canada's treatment of Indigenous peoples, not only in residential schools, but also in the criminal justice and child welfare systems.
As Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau restated his commitment to implementing the Commission's 94 recommendations, made prior to the federal election.
As Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau restated his commitment to implementing the Commission's 94 recommendations, made prior to the federal election.
13. Canada welcomes Syrian refugees
In 2015 Canadians joined together to welcome Syrian refugees. As individuals and communities they privately sponsored refugees. They also collected furniture and clothing for the newcomers, ad are helping them find work and enroll in school. The new Liberal government also increased the number of refugees the the government will sponsor. The Prime Minister and senior cabinet ministers also showed the best of Canada by dismissing the fearmongering and greeting refugees at the airport.