“It is our responsibility to fight discrimination and racism.” Dialoguing with Minister Bardish Chagger

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Canadian identity. It is our shared responsibility to fight discrimination and racism in all their forms.” Minister Bardish Chagger

I think that in order to appreciate this woman, you have to take in who she is, and what a resource she is becoming for racialized people living in Canada.

Minister Bardish Chagger’s life before politics gave observers a glimpse of the leader she was about to become. She worked at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, where she assisted new Canadians with their transition to a new way of living in Canada. As the Special Projects Coordinator, she was successful in bringing together different: communities, cultural, and business groups to celebrate Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival, an annual event held in Kitchener’s Victoria Park. During her rise in community activism, she worked alongside agencies to bring to life an annual Global Skills Conference. This provided an opportunity for foreign-trained professionals to network with Canadian industry leaders.

On October 19^th, 2015, she was elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Waterloo, and on November 4^th, 2015, Minister Justin Trudeau named her Minister of Small Business and Tourism. Minister Chagger’s star shone brighter on August 19^th, 2016, when she became Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and on November 20^th, 2019, her active leadership awarded her the position of Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth.

“This week has been particularly heavy. Black communities in Canada, the U.S., and around the world continue to experience anti-black racism and grieve the loss of life in their communities, and frankly, far too often. The dehumanization of black people has to stop.”

It was not a surprise when I saw this message appear on Minister Chagger’s social media pages. In her address, she spoke about having a true understanding of what it feels like to be a visible minority. During my talk last Friday with Minister Chagger, she shared some insight on our current issues as Africans in the Diaspora, and the stand she is going to take to implement change.

I started off asking her about the dehumanization of black people that she has seen. “While I, as a visible minority, have experienced systemic black racism, it can be difficult to wrap your head around the black experience. Black realities. While my heart hurts, I cannot imagine the pain and exhaustion black communities in Canada are repeatedly feeling. I spoke out this week, because I want our African/Caribbean communities to know that I see you and my ally ship is with you. I will not only listen to you, but I will amplify your voice at the cabinet table.”

“You speak on ally ship; what is your stand going to be?” I queried. “Anti-black racism is real. It is in the United States, but it is also here in Canada. I know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias, and anti-black racism every single day. I have the opportunity to work with cabinet ministers; to do a deep dive into these issues, and not turn a blind eye. We have to get our house in order. It is my responsibility. Silence is no longer an option. We cannot condone racism.”

I had heard mention of a Liberal lead initiative “Building a foundation for change; 2020.” I know that she has been involved in this initiative, so I asked her to shed a little light on it.

“About a year ago, Building Foundation for a Change was unveiled. It is a $45-million government-wide strategy towards tackling racism in the public service and in federal policies and practices. I acknowledge the multiple organizations and community leaders working tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusion, raise awareness, and challenge anti-black racism, but they cannot do it alone. It is clear; inequities are in our institutions and in people’s lived experiences. It is going to take all of us. We have work to do.”

Since accepting the role of Minister of Diversity and Inclusion, she has been travelling across Canada, meeting with stakeholders from racialized communities and LGBTQ2 communities. January 2020, Minister Chagger spent five days in Edmonton, Calgary and the Greater Vancouver area. During her time out there, she had meaningful conversations about how the Government of Canada can continue to empower communities, build awareness, and break down barriers that prevent minorities from fully participating in society.

In February, 2020 Minister Chagger announced $100,000 in funding for the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan 2020 anti-racism campaign, “Racism: Recognize it. Reject it.” This campaign is focused on building bridges between various cultural groups, and promoting intercultural understanding. It includes organized youth leadership workshops, and educational campaigns for schools across Saskatchewan.

Minister Chagger is aware of the fact that her work is just beginning. “I am going to keep the pressure on. We are going to make them listen, and make the changes needed. I urge you; don’t forget what has happened in a few weeks. I remain committed to working with you and will continue to use my role to call out and fight racism and all forms of discrimination. As Canadians, let us be united in this endeavour.”