Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Today is the United Nations (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s a day observed all around the world to focus attention on the need to promote racial harmony. The UN made this designation in 1966 to mark a tragic event that took place on March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, when 69 peaceful demonstrators were killed during a protest against apartheid. Here is  the PSAC Statement on March 21st:

In the current context of globalization, deep integration of our economies and the war against terrorism, people of colour and Aboriginal peoples suffer racism that subject them to economic, political and social marginalization.

Adequate resources should be allocated to Aboriginal communities for their housing, education, medical, and other social needs and should be a government priority. However, the Federal 2007 Budget did not allocate any specific funding for Aboriginal communities even though they are among the most disadvantaged in Canada which is well known internationally Canada has been repeatedly called upon to address the oppression and systemic barriers faced by Aboriginal peoples.

As well, racialized people from Arab and Muslim communities are increasingly being portrayed in stereotypical and negative ways in our communities and workplaces since September 11, 2001. Anti-terrorism measures have been put in place and implemented that specifically target certain communities. It has become more acceptable to consider limits to religious accommodation, particularly accommodation of people from the Muslim faith, because they are contrary to “Canadian values.”

Racial discrimination under the guise of “national security” has also been expanded with the deep integration of U.S. policies, practices, regulations and laws, such as the U.S. State Department’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in Canada. Security measures outlined in ITAR do not allow for Canadian citizens or permanent residents whose national heritage are from 25 “proscribed countries” to work on U.S. defence contracts because they are deemed to be threats to U.S. national security. Almost all the individuals that will be affected will be racialized people. Twenty-four workers have already been adversely affected by ITAR at Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, a federally incorporated company located in the Montreal area. They have been banned from working on a U.S. military contract because of their nationalities.

Many of the Canadian companies in the aerospace industry affected by ITAR are recipients of federal contracts and bound by the Federal Contractors Program, which calls upon them to ensure that they comply with the federal Employment Equity Act.

The deep integration of other racist policies, practices, regulations and laws has not been restricted to the employment arena.  The Royal Bank has refused to open U.S.-dollar accounts for people of certain nationalities since April 2006. Canadian citizens with dual citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Sudan, North Korea or Myanmar are affected. The restrictions apply to a select group of foreign nationals who want to open U.S. dollar accounts at financial institutions anywhere in the world. The deep integration of these kinds of racist policies is threatening not only the human rights of racialized people but also the “sovereignty” and fundamental values held in Canada. As well, Canada has shifted from its traditional peace keeping role to a more aggressive military role.

However, with public pressure and public education, this racist trend must be resisted. In early March, due in large part to public lobbying which the PSAC participated in, Parliament did not renew two provisions in the anti-terrorism legislation that dealt with preventative arrest and investigative hearings. These provisions allowed for arrest without charge and compelled testimony. Both were inconsistent with Canada’s legal values because they threatened fundamental civil and human rights.

In addition, the Supreme Court of Canada concluded that use of secret evidence in the security certificate process and detaining foreign nationals until 120 days after the certificate is confirmed were found to violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

This March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the PSAC remains ever vigilant to preserve and promote the fundamental human rights of Aboriginal peoples and racialized people. Wherever oppression occurs through institutions, legislation, treaties and policies, the PSAC will be there, along with the labour movement and progressive groups, to fight for the rights and equality of all workers and peoples.