BY ADRIAN REECE

Representation in the workforce has been a topic of conversation for years, particularly in positions of influence, where people can shift laws and create fair policies for all races. Representation in the legal system is an even more talked about subject, with many Black men being subjected to racism in courts and not being given fair sentencing by judges.

The fear of Black men entering the system is something that plagues mothers and fathers as they watch their children grow up.

Blink Equity, a company led by Pako Tshiamala, has created an audit called the Blink Score. This audit targets law firms and seeks to identify specific practices reflecting racial diversity among them in Toronto. A score is given based on a few key performance indicators. These KPIs include hiring practices, retention of diverse talent, and racial representation at every level.

The Blink Score project aims to analyze law firms in Ontario with more than 50 lawyers. The Blink Score is a measurement tool that holds law firms accountable for their representation. Firms will be ranked, and the information will be made public for anyone to access.

This process is ambitious and seeks to give Canadian citizens a glimpse into how many people are represented across the legal field. While more and more people have access to higher education, there is still a gap between obtaining that higher education and working in a setting where change can be made. The corporate world, at its highest points, is almost always one race across the board, and very rarely do people of colour get into their ranks. They are made out to be an example of how anyone from a particular race can achieve success. However, this is the exception, not the rule. Nepotism plays a role in societal success; connections are a factor, and loyalty to race, even if people are acquainted.

People of colour comprise 16% of the total lawyers across the province. Positions at all levels range from 6% to 27%. These numbers display the racial disparity among law practitioners in positions of influence. Becoming a lawyer is undoubtedly a huge accomplishment. Still, when entering the workforce with other seasoned professionals, your academic accolades become second to your professional achievements and your position in the company.

What do these rankings ultimately mean? A potential for DEI-inclusive practices, perhaps? That isn’t something that someone would want in this kind of profession. This kind of audit also opens law firms up to intense criticism from people who put merit above all other aspects of professional advancement. On the other hand, there is a potential for firms to receive clientele based on their blink score, with higher ones having the chance to bring in more race-based clients who can help that law firm grow.

It is only the beginning, and changes will undoubtedly be made in the legal field as Blink Equity continues to dive deep into the gap between people of colour and decision-making roles in these law firms. This audit has the power to shift the power scale, and place people of colour in higher positions. There are hierarchies in any profession, and while every Lawyer is qualified to do what they are trained to do, it is no shock that some are considerably better than others at their jobs. The ones who know how to use this audit to their advantage will rise above the others and create a representative image for themselves among their population.

BY PAUL JUNOR

There are many great shows, programs and initiatives planned for the Winter/Spring 2025 season in Brampton. This can be seen by the range and diversity of artistic programming. Patrons of the arts in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area can anticipate: captivating shows, wonderful performances and excellent presentations for 2025.

I interviewed Jocelyn Johnston, Acting Executive Artistic Director and Manager, Performing Arts at Brampton On Stage She has been involved for over two decades in different roles in Brampton, and succeeded Stephen Schipper in an interim capacity for the remainder of 2024. Jocelyn, oversees: artistic programming, operational management, and strategic direction of multiple venues, including The Rose Brampton. As a seasoned arts and culture leader, she is passionate about showcasing local Brampton creative talents as well as international ones to the community.

Jocelyn mentioned the accessibility of Brampton as an attraction for those who don’t want to go venues in downtown Toronto. Commuting time to Brampton is short, and there are a lot of parking spaces and very little congestion.  She is excited about the diversity of lineup in the Winter/Spring 2025 Season and recommended that patrons take advantage of many of the benefits that come with memberships. There are a wide range of genres: pop, reggae, country and western, R & B,rock & others. Members get advanced access to tickets on October 23^rd and ticket sales open to the public on October 25^th.

A message by Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton in the promotional brochure states, “This season, immerse yourself in engaging family productions,captivating performances by renowned artists like: Jully Black, Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro and Brett Kissel; along with showcases of local talent in the ‘This is Brampton’ series. Experience remarkable partner presentations with renowned organizations like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra,Tall Stories,Theater Terra and Cirque Kalabante, along with beloved local favourites such as The Rose Orchestra, Brampton Music Theatre, Brampton Concert Band and many more.”

There are four ways to save:

• 15% – 25 % with a group of 10 or more
• Student and child tickets available for select shows
• A selection of $20 tickets for each performance
• Rush seats starting at only $20! these options are subject to availability.

Some of the upcoming dates and shows for Winter/Spring 2025 :

• January 28 & April 15 : B-Jazzed
• January 30: Twin Flames
• January 31: Tales from Joke Keepers, This is Brampton
• February 6:Hype, This is Brampton
• February 8 & April 26: Stand-Up Stitches, This is Brampton
• February 8:Too Darn Hot! – The Rose Orchestra
• February 14: Jully Black
• February 15: Hot! Hot! Hot! – Toronto Symphony Orchestra
• February 21: We Will CHOIR! You: An Epic Abba Sing-Along – Choir! Choir! Choir!

– February 23: Brampton Concert Band & The Jazz Mechanics featuring Lee Siegel

• February 26 & April 30: Bluebird Brampton
• February 28: Finger II
• March 1 & May 11: The Jay Martin Comedy Series
• March 8: BIF Naked
• March 11: Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Back to the Rock Live
• March 14: QueeriAHcity
• March 21: Alan Cummimg & Ari Shapiro
• March 26: Brett Kissel
• March 27: Pauly Shore
• March 29 : Immigrants with Attitude, This is Brampton
• March 29: Legendary Journeys – The Rose Orchestra
• April 3 – 6: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – Brampton Music Theatre
• April 5: Crate Clash, This is Brampton
• April 9: Ian Thomas – Stagedoor Stories
• April 10: Afrique En Cirque – Cirque Kalabante
• April 16: Centre Stage Final Performance
• April 22: Rapunzel, The Musical
• April 24: Flower City Slam- This is Brampton
• April 25: Rising Vibes – This is Brampton
• April 26: Natural Melodies, Life and Love – The Rose Orchestra
• April 27: Re-Imagined: A Theatre Concert

Thanks to Brampton On Stage for ensuring that: BIPOC voices, performers, artists and entertainers are showcased and profiled.

BY ADRIAN REECE

By this point, Canadians are aware of the mass influx of Indian immigrants. The multiculturalism that Toronto was once famous for is disappearing. More and more people having relatable experiences are popping up on the internet.

The last few years Canadians have been expressing their frustrations with the amount of immigration that has occurred over the last few years.

With this increase in immigration from India, Canadians have also been experiencing more hate crimes. While Canadians are familiar with what hate crimes are, it is something we generally relegate to our American neighbours.

Contributing factors are the rise in international students as well as specific crimes against other people of colour. In 2022: Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge saw 22.7 hate crimes per 100,000 people, while Ottawa saw 28.3 per 100,000 people. Institutions are enrolling more international students at a rate that Canada cannot keep up with. These students are themselves struggling, putting strain on the systems Canadians use to survive. Institutions are under harsh criticism as students are struggling to obtain food and housing. A cap on foreign students may help alleviate the problems pertaining to universities and the rising immigration issue.

Further factors are the actions of immigrants causing tensions between Canada and India; things are escalating to the point of diplomats being expelled on both sides. This came after the alleged Killing of a Sikh Separatist leader. While this occurred in 2023, actions like these have only spurned on the distaste Canadians have in their mouths for Indian immigrants.

The dynamic in Canada is shifting; the careful balance that has existed for decades here is being overturned, and South Asians are slowly becoming increasingly disliked. Actions that most Canadians deem inappropriate are exhibited, and this is due to a difference in cultural expectations. Canada has always allowed newcomers to keep their artistic practices and express themselves; however, now, citizens feel these new cultural experiences are taking over the country they have lived in for most of their lives.

The culture shift is another contributing factor to the hate crimes occurring. The covid years stripping away people’s freedoms combined with Canada being dyed a new colour has tensions rising on all sides. The victims of said crimes, the perpetrators, and of course the rising cost of living and the struggling economy is hurting everyone.

The reputation Canadians have of being “nice” is being tested, we have historically demonstrated that we are not welcoming, and once again we are showing the world how much we do not want an influx of foreigners to take up space inside our borders. Canada has its own unique culture, which is a mixture of several different diasporas. When that is overshadowed by one particular culture, it is easy to garner dislike towards a particular group of people.

Xenophobia is running rampant, causing fear among the citizens of Canada. Hate is a combination of all these factors coming together. Canadians are accustomed to immigration, most Canadians are first-generation, however they are being overwhelmed by one demographic, and one culture. With all this going on. Canadians are fed up, and as such, causing issues to pop up in every level of Canadian society.

So what is the remedy? Many people online advocate for deportation, but is that a fair reaction to the growing issues? Should Canada focus on itself before welcoming immigrants into its borders? The answer is ultimately yes. Canada needs to solidify its own economy before it opens its doors for others to come here and struggle, and add to the stresses that Canadians are already facing.