Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

As the PSAC celebrates Black History Month, it recognizes and honours the contributions of its Black members and members of African heritage. The actions and dedication of these members have helped advance the PSAC and put us in the forefront in the struggle for human rights and equality. Their strength, courage and vibrancy are exemplified in the success of the union in negotiations, membership representation, political advocacy and the various committees, including the Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Committees.

This year, we commemorate the contributions of an astounding labour and human rights advocate who was one of the founding members of the PSAC: James Calbert Best. The son of a human rights activist and a railway porter, his career in the federal public sector began in the Department of Labour in 1949, where he co-founded the Civil Service Association of Canada, one of the organizations that merged in 1966 to form the PSAC.

• More at the Ottawa Citizen: Man of stature remembered as ‘ideal public servant’

Cal was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and as a young man founded, with his mother, the first African-Canadian owned newspaper in that town, The Clarion. The paper covered local news and sports, but more importantly, delved into the deeper racial issues facing black people in Nova Scotia and across North America. It featured the case of Viola Desmond, who has been referred to as a Canadian Rosa Parks. In 1946, she was arrested and fined for sitting in the “whites only” section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow and refused to move when authorities tried to force her to.

After achieving degrees in political science and public administration, he embarked on a 49-year career in the federal public sector, including a term as Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago.

Even in retirement, his considerable contribution continued. In 1999, he served as a member of the Treasury Board President’s Task Force on the Participation of Visible Minorities in the Federal Public Service.

Cal Best died in the summer of 2007 at the age of 81.

In honour of Cal Best, the PSAC reaffirms its commitment to combating racism in the workplace and extends this invitation to every PSAC member to contribute to the forging of solidarity between all sisters and brothers.

The PSAC is encouraging its members to commemorate Black History Month by organizing or participating in an event that raises awareness about this month, particularly the contributions of Black workers in the Canadian labour movement. Notify the PSAC’s Programs Section of any activities you hold by calling (613) 560-4387 or by e-mail at lambas@psac.com.