TACKLING THE TERRIBLE PROBLEM OF RACISM IN THE WORKPLACE - Laura Cortes

The analyzed reference: Engagement Strategy for a Racism-Free Workplace by Samuel, J., & Tandon, N

John Samuel and Nand Tandon, of John Samuel and Associates, did a qualitative investigation in Canada that is summarized in this article. The study looks at persistent systemic issues and challenges that First Nations people and members of other visible minorities face in the higher education sector of the Canadian workforce. The Federal Government of Canada is committed under the Racism-Free Canada plan, part of the HRSDC program, to end discrimination on the basis of race. It is well known that racism affects Black, Indigenous, and Latino populations and other visible minority groups the most.  The government is committed to breaking down barriers and eliminating racism in the workplace and has created public policies to achieve this goal by creating the Equal Employment Act (EEA).

Immigration is a significant source of labor for Canada. Statistics show a significant increase in the number of minorities in Canada. They face obstacles in the labor market because of their race. This situation will not be competitive globally if they continue to face this type of discrimination in the workplace. It is very difficult for visible minorities to find a job and keep it. But what is really difficult is to see people falling into low-paying, low-level jobs. Another problem faced is isolated in the workplace, a situation that is more prevalent among Aboriginal Canadians. Minorities often require organizations to support and sustain them. 

An important point,  according to the authors of the article "A Commitment Strategy for a Racism-Free Workplace" is for the government to seek a mechanism to accept the educational credentials of migrants, to create effective communication channels with minorities, and to give employers a subsidy for providing newcomers with a decent job opportunity.  According to the analysis of their article, the minorities are hopeful that in the near future their situation will improve. 

This article has a lot of information that can be applied to the workplace. It is important to create awareness of the situation and look within each organization to put a stop to these situations that affect our society. There should be guidelines supported by the federal government to work towards equity and inclusion, building anti-racist workplaces. 

At the end of the day from my perception, we all seek to help build a better country when we get here. We give our best and bring the hope of being accepted and included in society. Our diversity and our cultural differences can be bridges of unity and significant contributions to Canada.... Oh Canada!

Are You New to Canada?

From: havethattalk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWncedQEp1s&t=6s&ab_channel=havethattalk

Havethattalk. (2019). Are You New to Canada? Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWncedQEp1s&t=6s

Reference:

Samuel, J., & Tandon, N. (2021). Engagement Strategy for a Racism-Free Workplace. Retrieved from University of Alberta: https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/cpi/index.php/cpi/article/view/29599