July 19, 2023
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in Canada is calling on the Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal governments to end what we see as systemic racism in Canada's refugee support systems. Canada is renowned for its commitment to welcoming refugees and supporting those fleeing conflict and persecution. However, recent events have shed light on a concerning disparity in the level of support offered to refugees from different regions.
Specifically, a stark contrast emerges when comparing the overwhelming assistance extended to refugees from Syria and Ukraine with the inadequate support provided to refugees from Africa, the Caribbean, and other predominantly Black countries. CBTU Canada is NOT suggesting that the support given to the Syrian and Ukrainian refugees was inappropriate. However, we would argue that the disparity, coupled with the lack of long-term funding, exposes a clear case of systemic racism within the Canadian government's approach to refugee support.
While refugees arriving from Syria and Ukraine in Canada were met with an outpouring of support, the same can not be said about refugees from countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and other predominantly Black countries. Black and other racialized people are facing disheartening challenges that are inhumane. Reports indicate that when shelters reached capacity, refugees from these regions had no choice but to sleep on the sidewalks, exposed to the elements, and without access to essential services. This shocking contrast highlights the alarming extent to which the government's funding conveniently "ran out" in regards to the refugees from predominantly Black countries. The Canadian government's failure to adequately support refugees from African, Caribbean, and other predominantly Black countries indicates systemic racism. The differential treatment, reflected in the lack of funding and resources, perpetuates inequality and reinforces harmful stereotypes. It is imperative to recognize that this systemic discrimination extends beyond individual actions and policies, reaching the system's very structure designed to support refugees.
Canada must rectify this injustice and ensure that all refugees, regardless of origin or ethnicity, receive equity in support and opportunities. The government must commit to long-term funding that specifically addresses the unique needs of refugees from African, Caribbean, and other predominantly Black countries. This funding should be distinct from that allocated to refugees from different regions, considering the specific challenges these individuals face due to systemic racism. Beyond financial support, the federal government must provide long-term Canadian resettlement and employment initiatives tailored to refugees from African, Caribbean, and other predominantly Black countries. These initiatives should foster integration, provide language training, and support skills development, ensuring that refugees have the tools to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to Canadian society.
Furthermore, the Canadian government needs to reevaluate its allocation of public funds. Rather than spending vast amounts on foreign military interventions, reallocating resources towards supporting and resettling refugees from African, Caribbean, and other predominantly Black countries is a just and morally responsible choice. By prioritizing humanitarian efforts, Canada can demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights, equity, and justice.
Conclusion:
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in Canada calls on Canada's federal government to address the systemic racism entrenched in the Canadian government's treatment of refugees from African, Caribbean, and other predominantly Black countries with immediate and appropriate action. All levels of government must play their role by acknowledging and rectifying this disparity by providing long-term funding, distinct from other refugee support initiatives, safe housing, and basic human rights for the people who have already faced far too much violence and harm. Additionally, Canadian resettlement and employment programs must be tailored to the unique needs of refugees from these regions, fostering their successful integration into society. Lastly, redirecting public funds from foreign military interventions to support and resettlement efforts will be a concrete step towards a more equitable and compassionate Canada. Only through these concerted efforts can Canada fulfill its moral obligation of providing equitable support and opportunities to all refugees who seek sanctuary within its borders.
Signed
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Executive Board
Greetings, CBTU Family:
November 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of our organization becoming a Chapter of the CBTU, and the beginning of our year of celebration! Please take a moment to read our Special 30th Anniversary Edition Chapter Newsletter, where we have highlighted to accomplishments of several of our dear chapter members.
On behalf of the Chapter's Executive Board, we wish you all safe, happy, and healthy season's greetings and look forward to seeing and celebrating with you at our General Membership Meeting December 16 at 6pm.
Dear CBTU chapter members,
We are 30! This year marks 30 years of being a chapter of the International CBTU. To celebrate our history and the contributions of our members towards the Canadian Labour Movement, past and present, we invite you all to a special CBTU General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, December 16 in the evening. Location TBD and will be included in our newsletter coming out within a week. Yes, of course there will be food, it wouldn't be a proper celebration without it☺️
We look forward to seeing you there!
Dear members and friends of CBTU,
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is holding its 18th Biennial Convention from November 17 – 21, 2025. We are proud to see so many members of the CBTU have, an continue to, step forward to announce their candidacy for elections for various roles at the convention. It has always been part of our Mission Statement to: “Challenge systemic forms of racism within the Labour Movement itself by: (a) promoting access and opening doors for Black workers and workers of colour within the Labour Movement; (b) promoting the rights of equality seeking groups to the benefit of all workers within Unions; (c) organizing and maximizing our political influence within the Labour Movement; (d) encouraging and supporting the full participation of Black workers and workers of colour in their Unions.”
The CBTU Ontario Canada Chapter was founded in 1995, but its origins began long before, in the 1980’s, when the organization was called the Ontario Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (OCBTU). In 1987, the activism of OCBTU members was instrumental to the attainment of affirmative action seats for racialized workers of the OFL. As a result of the advocacy, the OFL elected its first racialized vice-president to its executive board, Herman Stewart. Since then, several other prominent labour leaders and members of the CBTU have been successfully elected to the OFL.
While the CBTU does not endorse any individual candidates regardless of their membership status, we certainly applaud the increased number of candidates that are also members. The CBTU is not a union. We do not hold any delegated seats at the convention. Our membership’s actions are individual and do not represent the CBTU as an organization. We are, however, extremely proud to see our Chapter’s members flourishing in leadership positions across Canada. The CBTU Ontario Canada Chapter’s Executive Board agreed to provide this letter to reaffirm, for all members and friends of our organization, that a lack of endorsement from CBTU for any of our individual members should not be viewed by any delegates to the convention as a lack of support: it is our policy.
The CBTU aims to: “Increase union involvement in voter registration, voter education and voter turnout projects to advance policies that are in working-class interests and the interests of the African-Canadian community as a whole such as Black youth unemployment; publicly-funded education; universal health care; employment equity and fair employment practices; consumer protection especially against inflation
on basic necessities; social programs at federal, provincial and municipal levels; a strong social safety-net; community development initiatives and programs along with all other policies adopted by CBTU members through our demographic processes.” We show no favour to any one individual member, and
our organization has made quite clear that we do not provide endorsement of any kind. Rather, we
applaud each and every candidate that comes forward and can successfully push forward the agenda of the CBTU to create a vehicle for advancing the inclusion of workers of African-descent in all spheres ofour society. Thank you, and best wishes to all candidates.
In Solidarity,
The Executive Board, CBTU Ontario Canada Chapter
