PSAC has filed a sweeping human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission on behalf of all Black PSAC members employed in the federal public service. The complaint challenges decades of systemic discrimination, racist comments, microaggressions, and policies and practices that have unjustly blocked Black workers from career advancement. 

“For decades, Black federal public service workers have endured racism at work, been shut out of job opportunities, and denied the safe workplace they deserve,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “Instead of fixing the problem, the government fought Black workers in court hoping it would all just go away. We won’t back down until the government is held accountable and our members get the justice they deserve.” 

The complaint details the federal government’s longstanding failure to address anti-Black racism in its workplaces, including: 

• Racist comments, microaggressions and discriminatory behaviour; 
• Heightened scrutiny and disproportionate discipline; 
• Dismissal or downplaying of discrimination and harassment complaints; 
• Barriers to hiring and promotion; 
• Unequal access to training, mentorship, and career development; 
• A failure to address anti-Black racism and bias in staffing processes. 

This filing follows the recent dismissal of the Black Class Action lawsuit, which the federal government fought vehemently against to deny its certification despite its own admission that systemic anti-Black racism exists in its workplace and across Canada. PSAC backed the legal action by providing financial and legal support and publicly advocating for the government to settle the case. 

The federal government has spent more than $10 million in legal costs to prevent the certification of the Black Class Action lawsuit. 

Through PSAC’s litigation, the union will seek systemic remedies to eliminate anti-Black racism in federal workplaces as well as damages to make members whole for the harm they have experienced. PSAC is calling for meaningful changes to hiring and promotion policies and practices, stronger accountability measures, and an end to the discriminatory practices that have harmed generations of Black federal public service workers and their families. 

“Black workers have suffered economic and psychological harm for decades — and they deserve real, lasting change,” added DeSousa. “It’s time for the government to own up to their mistakes and fix what’s clearly broken.” 

As Canada’s largest federal public service union and the bargaining agent for over 245,000 workers across the country, including 185,000 federal public service workers, PSAC is uniquely positioned to identify and challenge discriminatory practices affecting Black federal workers. This complaint is a critical step in the fight for justice and part of the union’s broader commitment to confronting anti-Black racism in and out of the workplace. 

By Mireille Jaillet

Rebecca Contois. Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe.  Marcedes Myran.  Morgan Beatrice Harris.

Taking a moment to reflect.  Taking a long moment of silence for these women.  One by one, found among garbage. Discarded by a coward.  A weak man who thought that they were easy prey, and he wasn’t entirely wrong.  He, however, underestimated the determination of their families whose resilience was built into their very DNA.

On International Women’s Day, I received the news that on February 26^th, 2025, the remains of both Morgan Harris and Mercedes Myran (the last two victims of the 2022 Winnipeg serial killer) had been located after months of searching and years of battles with local and federal authorities to initiate the search. 

The moment my eyes read the article posted on the Manitoba news site, Prairie Green Landfill Search Bulletin #4 confirming the discovery of remains identified as Morgan Harris and Mercedes Myran, they burned with tears and my chest grew tight.  Not because I knew the women in question but because I knew of the void that had been left behind when she was lost and of the grieving families and communities that were deeply impacted.  There was an ache in my heart when remembering how hard these families fought, how they refused to give up, knowing deep in their bones that they could and would find her if only given the chance and they were met with obstacles, disbelief and condescension.

Their resilience remained and it paid off.  A tragic victory.  

The mission, initiated by the Manitoba government at the request of the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, was operated in conjunction with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and with support from the Federal Government.

“They” said it couldn’t be done.  “They” said it wasn’t worth the risk.   “They” were wrong.

These lost women coming home will bring healing to countless many.  Not only the family members who felt that loss like a festering wound but for those who were never able to get such closure.  And for women who fear a same fate.  It is a step forward in valuing human beings over capitalism.  One step closer to honouring life instead of money and bureaucracy.  If any lesson is learned from this.  It should be that finding these remains is enough justification for a continued search of the landfills.  Resources must be provided to support these searches so that the process becomes easier, less cumbersome and with more skilled efforts.

As for our society, I hope this removes barriers in similar searches around the country.  MMIW must be recognized and valued.  All those missing and murdered should be recognized and valued, searched for and hopefully found. 

To the families who fought hard to get not only justice for Morgan and Marcedes but also peace:  we are so very proud of you, and we are inspired by you.  May you find comfort and healing.

To Marcedes and Morgan, welcome home.

By Mireille Jaillet

We dream of a world where differences are valued and celebrated
Not because of gender, or race, or class, or challenges
But for our uniqueness, integrity, and qualities contributed
Where people can thrive and meet their full potentials.

On March 8^th,  International Women’s Day is over a century old.
Still too many things we can’t do, stigmas weighing us down
A mountain of barriers, challenges and stories to be told.
And as the fight continues, one by one we become unbound.

We see freedoms taken away in the world’s most “democratic” countries.
Women slain, and children orphaned because of outdated beliefs and values.
Or forced on their knees pleading:  Remember Please!
That this day is not only for us but for all those who celebrate women and their virtues. 

We are speaking of our mothers, sisters, aunts and daughters
Our aunts, teachers, friends and mentors,
We speak of all those women who truly matters.
Together we can tear the barriers down, and finally enjoy this word’s splendours.

Mireille Jaillet is the UNE’s National Equity Representative for Women