Following is a message I sent to my MP Mona Fortier this morning urging her to support efforts to take advantage of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent to provide equity, inclusion and empowerment for all young people. The more that our elected officials know about what we, their constituents, want, the more likely they are to act on our behalf. Kindly consider sending a similar note to your MP.
Good morning Mona,
You are aware that I am working to bring change to education that will result in all students being treated equally, so you will understand that I support the goals set forth by the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (UN-DPAD).
Through Uniting for Children and Youth, I have organized a March 4th meeting of over twenty community leaders with the Chair and the Director of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). The purpose of the meeting is to work towards a partnership with the OCDSB in addressing issues of equity, inclusion and youth empowerment. By taking advantage of the attention being brought to inequality by the UN-DPAD we can improve the lives of black students and in the process inform ourselves of how to better provide for all students who are underserved by their schools. If we can get right what we do with youth, it will spill over into adult life and strengthen our democracy with citizens proud to be Canadian and active in building caring communities.
I appreciate that education is a provincial jurisdiction, but I think the Prime Minister’s Youth Council could be empowered by the UN-DPAD to make some real gains for youth through community groups, which would result in more young people being able to bring positive change to their schools. I have copied this note to a couple of people at the top of the current list of Council members with the hope that they might have the Council consider the potential in the UN-DPAD to do good for youth.
I have included below to provide background on my message, the text of a letter the African Diaspora Action Team (ADAT) and partners is asking people to send to their members of parliament.
I was present at City Hall on Saturday, February 16th for the UN International Mother Languages Day event. I was encouraged to see you there among the people who came out to celebrate our diversity.
Sincerely,
Richard
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I know that you as my MP can help!
With the federal fiscal year end just over a month away, and 2019 budget deliberations in full swing, Black Canadians and our allies are asking how the promised actions contained in Budget 2018 are actually making a difference in the lives of Blacks in Canada.
With the election around the corner, many rightly concerned about empty promises are asking: Where’s the beef?
Blacks know that our 3-11% of eligible voters – in certain communities are making a huge difference!!
And the numbers are growing!!
Last January 30, 2018, Prime Minister Trudeau, on behalf of the Government of Canada, endorsed the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (UN-DPAD), thereby committing to address the UN’s’ 2017 recommendations to improve the condition of people who identify as Black and/or of African descent in Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwdQ_7dQOhU
Since then, many Black community organizations, community leaders, and individuals, have engaged each other, the Federal MP Black Caucus, Ministers, opposition parties and federal unions to better understand what this endorsement could mean to many Black Canadians disadvantaged daily by the systemic oversight and unconscious bias the PM referenced in his January statement.
What is the status of the $10m projected for Black mental health initiatives?
What has been the level of community awareness, outreach and bureaucratic line of sight placed on the $42 million allotted for anti-racism (Black) initiatives?
How far has the bureaucracy progressed regarding disaggregation of data in relation to justice and sentencing, housing, employment, mental health, and federal procurement/disbursements?
Blacks haven’t heard a word on any of this!!
Black Canadians know and applauded the Government’s measurable actions following its acknowledgment of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons and the apology and funding given for the internment of Japanese Canadians. We would like to see similar actions to support Black communities.
Each of you as MPs can help!
Say no to a feeling of a double standard being used against Black Canadians.
What we are requesting as a first and fair step given what we’re experiencing thus far is to appoint a special adviser (UN-DPAD Champion) on African-Canadian issues during UN-DPAD.
The champion’s role and position would be similar to MP Randy Boissonnault’s on LGBTQ+ issues.
The appointment of a UN decade champion will help the Government of Canada act on its commitment to the International Decade and address the very real bureaucratic stagnation that many of these laudable commitments are experiencing.
Each year, the champion could submit an annual report to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Black Parliamentary Caucus that addresses current issues, findings, progress and recommendations.
To support both the Champion request – and address the stagnation – expressed above, Black communities have been mobilizing in various ways – big and small, at kitchen tables and in neighborhoods across the country.
Many recently came together at the 2nd Annual National Black Canadian Summit, February 1-4 in Ottawa.
On February 24th, there will be another online conversation across Canada on the extent to which promises to Black Canadians have been kept .
We’d be delighted if you can come on board in working with us as so many of us have worked with you.
Ask the Govt, caucus members and or cabinet to take this straightforward action.
Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democrats, Greens…our priority – starting now, is to not be taken for granted.
We are ready to work and support those whose actions best align with the interests of our one-million Black Canadian citizens.
I and others would welcome a response and an opportunity to discuss these matters further at your earliest possible convenience.
Sincerely,
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