In June, the federal government passed new legislation making September 30 a national statutory holiday commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The designation of this day is in response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and is meant to honour survivors, their families, and communities. It also ensures the ongoing commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools will remain a vital part of the reconciliation process.
This new designated paid holiday applies to federally regulated public and private sectors — specifically, the federal public service and employers subject to the Canada Labour Code.
PSAC’s collective agreements negotiated with the federal government include provisions for an additional designated holiday if one is proclaimed by an act of Parliament. As a result, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will become a designated paid holiday and will allow employees in the federal public service and federally regulated workplaces to observe and participate in this important day.
Employees eligible for this new statutory holiday do not need to request leave. It will be treated like any other statutory holiday. If September 30 is a non-working Saturday or Sunday, employees will be given the day immediately preceding or following the holiday.
Unfortunately, the new holiday does not apply to provincially regulated employers unless a provincial legislature makes similar amendments to provincial employment standards legislation.
In 2011, at the Union of National Employees’ (UNE) Triennial a resolution was passed, with no challenges that allowed UNE members to observe August 14 as UNE’s Multiculturalism Day.
The intention behind this resolution was to foster a sense of pride, continued pride in UNE’s commitment to the rights of all of its members. More particularly, recognizing UNE’s contributions in the Human Rights arena, and more importantly acknowledging its very own Human Rights Committee and the work accomplished within that committee.
Canada as a country of diverse peoples and cultures celebrates Multiculturalism Day on June 27; however, UNE has gone a step further. As a union aware of its privilege, its place and its the role in the lives of its diverse membership, UNE has allocated another day whereby its membership, through its regional and Local representatives, is reminded to encourage the celebration of diversity throughout the rank and file of its Regions’ membership.
Let us as union comrades, UNE members, commemorate August 14 as a day to herald the diversity of our membership and celebrate our achievements, especially those won under the umbrella of Human Rights. A re-commitment to this day, August 14, as UNE’s Multiculturalism Day needs to be established and encouraged; always with focus, for with all that we have accomplished is as far as we still need to go.
Hayley Millington UNE National Equity Representative for Racially Visible People
Slavery was abolished throughout the British Colonies via an act for the abolition of slavery that was given Royal Assent on August 28, 1833 and took effect on August 1, 1834. The act abolished enslavement in most British colonies, freeing over 800,000 enslaved Africans in the Caribbean, South Africa as well as Canada.
Many Commonwealth countries have acknowledged and designated this day as Emancipation Day. On August 1, 2021, for the very first time Canada will recognize this day. It comes on the heels of a unanimous vote in Parliament on March 24, 2021.
Emancipation Day is an opportunity for Canadians to learn about Canada’s role in the slave trade as well as providing the chance to acknowledge the systematic racism and discrimination that has led to multi-generational trauma affecting the lives of Black Canadians up to this present day.
Despite the fact that slavery has been abolished since 1833, it has left an endowment of systemic practices of racism and discrimination; barriers that Black Canadians encounter in their daily lives. The legacy of enslavement speaks to the fact that the work to eradicate anti-Black sentiments. It includes racist rhetoric and practices continuing almost 200 years after the end of slavery as an institution.
Oftentimes, Canadians are not always aware that the history of Black people in Canada is one that includes enslavement and that those who fought against the practice of slavery were pivotal in shaping Canada as a nation. Descendants of the African diaspora continue to add to the mosaic of Canada’s diversity through their cultures and traditions, their involvements and contributions, achievements and innovations, as well as through their leadership.
We all have a role to play in lending our voices and efforts to the dismantling of the systemic barriers faced by Black Canadians. It is important to educate and to include the history of Blacks in Canada, ensuring that this is captured in the history books, and that it is taught in schools as part of the curriculum. Change is tantamount to our minds and to our hearts as we navigate the process of healing, as communities, individuals and as a nation.
Jamaican musician Bob Nesta Marley, who was also an advocate for the rights of Black people, and spoke up against poverty and western oppression sang,
‘’Emancipate yourself from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds”.
As activists and citizens of the world, we should all be prepared to align ourselves, in allyship or leadership, in the forefront of this fight for true equality and inclusion in all aspects of life. As such, I invite our Union members and leaders alike to reflect, educate and involve yourself in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination.
Hayley Millington UNE National Equity Representative for Racially Visible People
On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, two important bills received Royal Assent. Bill C-15, titled United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and Bill C-8.
The first piece of legislation “provides that the Government of Canada must take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and must prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration.”
The second piece of legislation “amends the Citizenship Act to include, in the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship, a solemn promise to respect the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, in order to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 94.”
We wish to acknowledge the passage of these bills as part of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s recommendations. We also acknowledge remembrance of centuries of hostilities, persecution, and attempted assimilation of Indigenous peoples in Canada through colonization.
We condemn unequivocally the resistance and angst portrayed by many Conservative federal politicians regarding the adoption of Bill C-15. These matters took too long to be addressed, but these are necessary steps toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and towards building a society that enhances Indigenous-government relations.
We have now entered Pride Month and you will be seeing many activities happening across the country. I wanted to take a moment to celebrate this great country. Pride in Canada starts around the end of May and happens across the country until September. Pride means something different to each person. For some it is a protest for change, a festival to celebrate what has been achieved, a time that we can explore and find out who we are, be our authentic selves, be with our chosen family and many more personal ways and reasons. Those journeys and thoughts on pride are personal and varied. I hope that in this difficult time that we all stay safe, know you are not alone and there is union family out there for you if you need us. We are all here in solidarity for a diverse and inclusive Canada.
Here are a few sites that you can use to explore and some comments from other members of our union family:
I love that Pride just gets bigger and brighter each year and that it celebrates every part of our diverse community and gives us all a platform to be visible and open with each other and with our many incredible allies. That being said, there are still people who aren’t fully or fairly represented, and we need to keep pushing the envelope by ensuring we are being as inclusive as possible to enable historically marginalized queer voices to be heard, validated and celebrated too.
Andrew Shaver – UNE National Executive Vice-President (he/him)
Pride for me means members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community being healthy as their authentic selves. Locally, private online discussions are used to find doctors that are friendly to the gender diverse. This should not be necessary; we should have equal access to healthcare without fear! UNE can advocate for improved healthcare and Pharmacare for the 2SLGBTQ+ community within their workplaces and beyond. It should also include expanded mental healthcare. Current access to the healthcare needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is limited and includes long wait times. The Yukon recently developed a new gender-affirming healthcare policy. I would love to see this same comprehensive transgender and gender diverse health and wellness policy advocated for Canada-wide!
Danielle Palmer – UNE Regional Representative for Human Rights, Alberta & NWT & NU
Each year, in June, the LGBTQ2+ community celebrates Pride month. We march every year, to help create awareness and support from the community we live in. We continue our fight year after year because of oppression, and the fight for equality to live our lives as our true selves. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge that the fight for equality is not over. As long as discrimination on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other forms of discrimination exist we will continue to use our voices loud and proud.
Keith Lemoine – UNE President and Human Rights Representative, Local 10512
Pride was originally a riot, a fight for equal rights, to love who you love, to be who you truly are. 52 years later we are still hearing stories of people attacked for being their authentic self, of people being murdered for living as the gender they are instead of the gender society has assigned them, and of youth being forced from their homes and their family for not conforming. Our fight for equality is not over. We, as Union members, need to educate ourselves and others, so that we may all truly be equal. We all deserve respect, access to medical care, mental health resources, housing, community, and family support. Real love is just love, regardless of gender, or sexual orientation.
Janet Eileen Connor – UNE Regional Representative for Human Rights, Ottawa-Treasury Board
Yours in Solidarity,
Chris Little-Gagné (he/him) UNE National Equity Representative for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People
The UNE membership has been deeply affected by the discovery of 215 Indigenous children’s remains at the site of the former residential school in Kamloops BC.
Not only is this an almost unspeakable atrocity, within the nation we call Canada, but this has deeply affected many of our members, especially those who work as public servants with Indigenous Services Canada, (ISC) and Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC).
It is most difficult for our members to concentrate on work and family-related tasks when this pall of shame confronts them in dealing with their employer and to Indigenous peoples they serve.
Everyone needs to do more than display a backdrop, draped in orange, that states “Every Child Matters”.
To enter the conversation around disability inclusion, first consider the concept of disability exclusion. Have you ever experienced it?
Have you ever been excluded because of disability? I have.
Have you ever been unconsidered because of disability? I have.
Have you ever just been left out and not understood why? I have.
Persons with a disability have struggled to be included into the fabric of society on an equal and equitable keel. Things that some take for granted are barriers to others.
A single step in front of a building doesn’t seem like much of a barrier, unless you have a mobility disability.
A movie theatre seems to be barrier free, unless you are deaf and there is no closed captioning.
An elevator seems to be an accessibility tool, unless you are blind and braille is absent from the floor indicator keyboard.
What does accessibility mean? Is that ever a concern or even a consideration for most people?
Accessibility is about more than removing barriers. It is about creating spaces and situations where everyone feels welcomed, even invited, so that they can participate obstruction and discrimination free.
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is an opportunity to:
celebrate the valuable contributions of persons with disabilities,
acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals, communities and workplaces to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion,
recognize the ongoing work we all have to do to counter discrimination against persons with disabilities, and
promote a culture of inclusion.
I was recently contacted by a student from about 28 years ago. He was a student in the school where I taught, but was not a student in my class. He recounted one of his remembrances. He shared the following:
“One day he observed a student making fun of me behind my back. I had heard the student, and addressed them. I explained why my gait was as it was. I offered them an opportunity to experience, in a limited way, what I experience with every step. I suggested that the student place a lift under their shoe equivalent to the size of a 2×4 to create a leg length discrepancy and to then walk around and observe the changes to their gait. They explained that that moment had a profound affect on them and was the moment when they learned about empathy, to view things from another’s perspective, and to not judge. They stated that they went home and tried the experiment themself.”
If we are going to affect a cultural change with respect to the perception of accessibility, we need to focus the conversation on removing barriers, enhancing inclusivity and recognizing the diversity of contributions by persons with disabilities. As was the student, we all need to become participants in the change.
It is only by working together that we will achieve a truly accessible and inclusive society that leaves no one behind.
Michael Freeman, UNE National Equity Representative for Persons with Disabilities
I am writing to inform you about the May 17th, 2021, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).
Currently around the world we are all living in a with a very difficult time, as COVID-19 causes havoc. I wanted to recognize that this has also had an increased negative affect on marginalized groups. One way to mitigate the negative effects is to have safety nets, areas or groups of people that are able to provide comfort and safety. These safety nets have grown more difficult to maintain in this virtual world we have been thrust into. We are aware that this time has affected all of us, but there is a need to realize how this has affected many even more.
I have over the last year taken some time to realize the privilege I have and the supports I have access to and how I am able to maintain my networks. These tools are not readily available to everyone. Not everyone has access to housing, internet, family, safe drinking water, food and even more.
I have looked at my learned history, my current biases and my privilege to see what I can do, what I can learn and tools that are out there to help me retrain, adapt and reprogram what programing I have received from a lens of privilege, culture and history. To start, I want to say that we are all human beings, the social constructs set up around the work are only there because we allow them. Rights are there because people fought for them and continue to fight for them and even to keep what they may have. We have been taught that rights are finite and that for others to have rights we need to give something up. This is not correct. Rights are not a piece cake. Those that have the whole cake do not need to give up slices of their cake so that others can have rights. I do not want a piece of your cake. I want my own cake. By giving me a whole cake does not make your cake worth less either. This type of past programing needs and can be changed. Marginalized groups have been told that they need to compete with every other marginalized group to gain time to be heard and to be able to state their case for inclusion and equity. I ask that as marginalized groups we take the time to link arms in solidarity to find common ground to move forward through our intersectionality. We are stronger, louder and better organized if we all work together in solidarity. Let’s make real change.
Across the world there has been an increase of hate and violence. The 2SLGBTQ+ community has been a major focus of that hate. This includes increased conversion therapy organizations, countries creating LGBTQ+ free zones, countries with concentration camps for LGBTQ+ people and countries changing law to reduce protections for LGBTQ+ people. There are currently 6 countries in the world where being LGBTQ+ is punishable by death, 27 countries where being LGBTQ+ would get 10 years to life in prison and 43 countries with no protection at all. This is all because of Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The definition of Phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.
Here in Canada, we work hard to ensure that our laws protect. One such positive move forward is Bill C-6 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)). Conversion therapy refers to any of several dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. For example, that could mean attempting to change someone’s sexual orientation from lesbian, gay, or bisexual to straight or their gender identity from transgender or nonbinary to cisgender. And it could include efforts to change a person’s gender expression (to make a person act more stereotypically masculine or feminine, for example), or to reduce or eliminate sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward a person of the same gender.) This bill has passed second reading in the House of Commons and is working towards Royal Assent. This is a great move to inclusion, safety and equity within this great nation of Canada. Bills like this one are something we all need to know about and support so that small groups of loud people do not cause them to fail.
I hope that on this May 17th, 2021 you take the time to reflect on privilege, your biases, your lives and your knowledge. Remember that privilege does not mean that you have not had a difficult time, what it does mean is that you may not have had to experience adversity because of who you inherently are. You may not have had to experience life from the world of someone who is racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, a woman, Indigenous or a person with access needs, and others).
Take the time to look at some of the amazing resources out there and help make a positive change for the lives of those who are struggling for the basic rights that we have. Here is one of those resources.
Christopher Little-Gagné UNE National Equity Representative for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People
In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed a declaration designating May as Asian Heritage Month. Adopted by the Senate in 2001, this was proposed by Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian Senator of Asian Heritage. This Month is meant to recognize and acknowledge the various achievements and contributions of Asians in Canadian Society. Along with this, it is also a celebration of their rich and diverse cultural practices and traditions, Asia being the largest continent and comprised of about fifty-four countries.
There is a long list of Canadians of Asian descent who have excelled in the fields of politics, economics, science, sports, medicine, education, music and service but it is fitting to add all Canadians of Asian heritage to this list. When they came to Canada, they were determined to strive and work hard to achieve their goals and realize their dreams. There were a lot of challenges and struggles but in their own diverse little ways, directly or indirectly, they have contributed to the growth and development of their communities, their workplaces and of Canadian society.
Asian Heritage Month is an opportune time to learn and experience the rich and diverse culture of Asia. Join and celebrate. Check out the activities and festivities that have been organized by Asian Heritage Month Societies or other Asian groups in your communities. Check out this link as well from the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba.
Appreciate and learn more about the diverse cultures of Asia by listening to music, watching a film, reading a book, doing some craft, exploring different tastes and flavours and indulging yourself in Asian culinary delight.
As we mark this year’s Asian Heritage Month, it is also important to take note of what is happening in our surroundings that is greatly affecting Canadians of Asian heritage. They are facing challenges and fear, and some are struggling to live in harmony and peace. This is because of the ongoing hate crimes and racial discrimination that are becoming more prevalent especially during this time of pandemic. Discrimination and hate crimes may come in different forms. It is our duty as Canadians to be aware of these acts of injustice and the plight of Asians and become allies especially in communities where their voices are not being heard.
Happy Asian Heritage Month!
Shirley Torres Regional Vice-President, B.C. and Yukon
During this Mental Health Week, the first question that comes to my mind is, will this pandemic—despite all the negativity that it causes—sensitize society and the public to the problems of mental health? When I hear the most common prejudices like “schizophrenic people are violent”; “depressed people lack drive”; “anxious people are weak-minded”; “bipolar people are hard to manage”, all these prejudices lead to stigmatization and discrimination and show a lack of information on the subject.
I believe that as an advanced and progressive society, we have to start at the start, i.e. education. We say that to have good mental health, the key to success is to lead a balanced life—yes, but the greatest hurdle is that no one is the same, we are all different people, we all have our own histories, and during a global pandemic, what exactly does a balanced life look like? It would be a good idea to focus specifically on the needs of those among us who are vulnerable. Let’s learn to notice changes in behaviour in our loved ones, our colleagues and our friends. Let’s try to understand what mental illnesses are, to differentiate between anxiety disorders, panic attacks and agoraphobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, mood disorders and others.
Anyone of us can have mistaken perceptions, but people struggling from mental illnesses have more problems with their thoughts and perceptions. Very often, those close to them are confronted with this reality and their own thoughts and behaviours are greatly affected by it.
Discrimination against people suffering from mental health problems or addictions is often linked to prejudiced attitudes, negative stereotypes, as well as the generalized stigmatization of mental problems and addictions.
The best present that you can give to someone with a mental health problem is to listen to them, recommend that they consult with someone, support them, and show them a great deal of empathy. As you can see, this proves the necessity of increasing education and communication on this subject, in order to fight against taboos, fake news and concerns about mental health. Even nowadays, mental illnesses evoke fears and shame in some people. These behaviours reflect mistaken beliefs, misunderstandings, and ignorance regarding mental illnesses.
We must lead the way as union leaders in helping our community adopt a healthy and positive dialogue and demonstrate that it’s possible to render this topic less taboo, so that people can talk about it freely, without any concerns.
In closing, take care of yourselves and those close to you, and keep in mind that a positive mental attitude leads to positive feelings, which in turn results in positive outcomes.
Daniel Toutant National Vice-President for Human Rights
