Nicholas Marcus Thompson Leads Call for Black Representation on Federal Advisory Council

Nicholas Marcus Thompson with Bishop Ransford Jones, and Ketty Nivyabandi.

OTTAWA, ON — Nicholas Marcus Thompson today led a coalition of Black community leaders, human rights advocates, labour organizations, and civil society groups in a press conference on Parliament Hill calling on the Government of Canada to ensure that anti-Black racism is explicitly addressed within the newly established Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion.

The press conference was organized following the Government’s announcement of the Council earlier this week. While the Council was established to advise government on issues relating to rights, equality, inclusion, racism, and hate, no Black representatives were included among the members announced and anti-Black racism was not explicitly identified within the Council’s mandate.

Speaking on behalf of the National Employment Equity Council, Thompson said the omission raised serious concerns for Black Canadians, particularly at a time when governments across Canada have acknowledged the unique and persistent barriers facing Black communities.

The Employment Equity Act Review concluded that Black workers face unique and persistent barriers and recommended that Black workers be recognized as a distinct employment equity group,” Thompson said. “If Canada is serious about advancing equality and inclusion, anti-Black racism must be explicitly recognized and Black Canadians must be represented at the table.

Thompson was joined by The Hon. Jean Augustine, Amnesty International Canada Secretary General Ketty Nivyabandi, and Bishop Ransford Jones of Canadian Black Clergies and Allies. Together, they called on the federal government to strengthen the Council by appointing Black leaders and experts and ensuring that anti-Black racism is clearly reflected in the Council’s work.

The Hon. Jean Augustine speaking virtually at the press conference.

Black Canadians are tired of being an afterthought. Tired of having to raise our voice to be heard and seen fully. Tired of having to remind people that we exist and we matter too. The Honourable Jean Augustine

Speakers noted that Black Canadians continue to face barriers in employment, housing, health care, education, and the justice system. They argued that a national body dedicated to rights, equality, and inclusion cannot effectively fulfill its mandate while overlooking the experiences and perspectives of Black communities.

The group of leaders emphasized that representation is not simply a matter of diversity, but a necessary component of effective public policy. Communities affected by systemic barriers must have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that impact their lives.

The press conference marked the beginning of a broader effort to ensure that Black communities have a voice in shaping Canada’s equality agenda and national institutions.

In closing, Thompson called on Black Canadians, community organizations, faith leaders, professionals, students, and allies to remain united and engaged.

Every gain our community has made has come because people were willing to stand together and demand better. We cannot afford to be divided or disengaged. The decisions being made today will shape opportunities for future generations. Our communities must be organized, represented, and heard. Together, we can build the influence, institutions, and leadership needed to secure better outcomes for Black Canadians across this country.