Black professionals from the HRPA (Human Resource Professionals Association) met last month (February 2022) during Black History Month, to discuss the challenges that black HR professionals face, as well as the difficulties they encounter in trying to promote change within companies' HR structures.

Government policy responses are designed to address social and economic changes in society. Transformational changes in the areas of racial discrimination, equity and human rights also fall into this category. But how can governments implement social change in meaningful ways to shape a more inclusive society?

Skilled black employees are grossly underrepresented in the Canadian tech sector. In fact, black workers are poorly represented compared to the overall workforce, but also compared to other visible minority groups.

In 2020, Ryerson's Diversity Institute conducted a study analyzing the representation of Black people, other racialized minorities and women on boards of directors in different business sectors. Not surprisingly, this study found that across Canada and in various cities, black leaders are disproportionately underrepresented.

The Public Service of Canada promotes diversity and inclusion as central to these organizational values. She stands as a model for employers in terms of breaking down barriers to participation for Black and Indigenous people.