Across the country, For Black communities, systemic racism continues to be a daily reality, including in the workplace. The Government of Canada is dedicated to fostering a healthy, safe, and inclusive environment, where Black public servants are recognized equally for their important contributions and given all opportunities to succeed.
In Budget 2023, following the invaluable work of several Black public servants’ networks in 2022, the Government of Canada provided an extra $45.9 million to match the initial funding in Budget 2022 for a Black mental health fund. As a result, approximately $50 million is helping the creation and development of the Action Plan for Black Public Servants (Action Plan) to increase mental health support and career development programsfor Black public servants.
Recently, the Honorable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, announced the first initiatives of the Action Plan, which will continue to be refined through meaningful input from Black public servants. Specifically, health Canada is receiving subsidies for Black-centric enhancements to the Employee Assistance Program which is given to more than 90 federal departments and agencies. This includes the recruitment of 19 additional Black counselors this year alone, which brings to a total of 60 Black counselors, to provide culturally competent and trauma-informed mental health support to public servants and their close family members.
Following a successful pilot, the Canada School of Public Service is receiving subsidies to launch an executive leadership program for Black executives in groups EX-01, EX-02, and EX-03 to support their career advancement.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is receiving funding to provide individualized assessment, counseling, and coaching services to Black public servants. The PSC will also build on its existing expertise and leverage available research and feedback from Black employees to improve the delivery of its career development services for all levels of Black public servants.
The operation of the Action Plan will be led by an internal task force made up of mainly Black employees. In the coming days, weeks, and months, the task force will engage through check-ins with employee networks, surveys, and discussions with Black public servants to further engage in the implementation of present and future initiatives under the Action Plan.
The Government of Canada is committed to making real and lasting changes to create a workplace that is safe, inclusive, and free of all forms of racism and discrimination. This work will be guided by lived experience and association with Black public servants.
