The AJC Celebrates Black History Month

“Black history is not just for black people. Black history is Canadian history.”

- Jean Augustine (the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament.)

 

In honour of Black History month, the AJC invites everyone to celebrate the many contributions of Black people throughout Canada’s history, but in particular the contributions of our Black members to the field of law. From policy development, to legislative drafting, to prosecutions and civil litigation, Black AJC members have made an indelible mark on Canada’s justice system.

Nonetheless, many Black lawyers continue to encounter barriers to success. From challenges to securing articling positions, to disproportionately high rates of solo-practice, to micro-aggressions and overt racism, many Black members of the legal field have faced systemic obstacles.

The AJC recognizes that Black lawyers in the Public Service have also experienced systemic barriers to achieving their full potential. Black public servant lawyers remain underrepresented, particularly at the LP-03 level and above, and many have had unequal access to high quality work, mentorship, language training, and other professional development opportunities.

The AJC has been advocating for the elimination of these barriers in multiple forums including via direct submissions to senior management, liaising with the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Secretariat at DOJ, providing feedback on proposed employer EDI-related policies, and increasing our engagement in relation to staffing and promotional processes.

Internal to the AJC, we are also taking active steps to increase the diversity of our Governing Council and improve our equity infrastructure. On-going initiatives include creating a Union Steward Program, and developing EDI focused outreach, communications, and learning and development plans.

The AJC commits to continue its efforts to improve the working conditions and access to professional opportunities for our Black members so they can have an equal chance to reach their full potential.