NDP Statement on Black History Month 2024

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“Today marks the first day of Black History Month. This month is a time to honour the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and to celebrate the courageous advocates who fought for equity for Black Canadians.

As we reflect on the past, we must also recognize that anti-Black racism and discrimination still exist in Canada. Governments at all levels must do more to address these existing inequalities - from housing, health care, employment, income, and policing. Leaders have a responsibility to dismantle the barriers that harm Black Canadians. Currently, there is a courageous class action lawsuit going on due to systematic racism of Black Canadians in the Public Service of Canada. We commend their bravery in their fight for equity and call on the government to rectify their years of discrimination.

Black Canadians continue to be overrepresented in the justice system, and New Democrats call for meaningful reforms to policing so that every Canadian can have trust in their institutions and be treated equally. Carding and street checks negatively impact Black Canadians in urban centres, and more needs to be done to protect the lives of racialized people in Canada.

We can learn a lot from courageous Black Canadians who have come before us, such as Viola Desmond, who resisted in the face of injustice and inspired Canada's civil rights movement.

This month is a reminder of the struggle and fight of Black Canadians to get to where they are today - but much more needs to be done. Elected officials must commit to learning and understanding the past to fight for a better future for all.”