March 15, 2021
The Radio-Canada investigation about racism and discrimination within departments dedicated to services towards First Nations, Inuit and Métis is not news to UNE.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) still operate on a postcolonial-based approach.
The dramatic staffing situations and the abject lack of career progression opportunities that our Indigenous members are facing, while working in these departments, and regional development agencies, illustrate a disconnect with realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s public service and lack of recognition of their work.
We are encouraged to see that upper management is fully aware of the situation and plans to address it.
UNE will always be there to defend their members against racism, discrimination and any form of harassment within these federal workplaces.
Promoting Indigenous voices to deliver services in Indigenous communities across the country will be a breath of fresh air within the federal public service and UNE offers to be involved in the planning process to make it happen, at all of these work locations throughout Canada; from coast to coast, to coast.
Kevin King
UNE National President