Workers at institution tasked to root out discrimination were discriminated against: ruling

The Treasury Board Secretariat says the Canadian Human Rights Commission discriminated against Black and racialized employees in a decision published earlier this month.

A central government agency has found discrimination against workers within a Canadian institution specifically designed to root it out.

The Treasury Board Secretariat found last week that the Canadian Human Rights Commission, whose mandate is to protect the core principle of equal opportunity, discriminated against Black and racialized employees.

A decision dated March 6, obtained by The Canadian Press, says the commission breached the “no discrimination” clause in its collective agreement with three major public service unions.

“I encourage the parties to engage in mediation to seek a meaningful resolution to the issues outlined in this policy grievance,” Carole Bidal, an associate assistant deputy minister at the agency, said in her decision.

“As federal institutions, we seek to create a workplace that is diverse and inclusive, and where every public servant can make the best possible contribution to serving Canadians.”

The Association of Justice Counsel said in a statement that the decision is “an important win,” and one that will have consequences across the federal public service.

The union, which represents government lawyers, had filed a formal grievance in 2020, in tandem with the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Canadian Association of Professional Employees.

The grievances alleged that “policies, procedures, practices and attitudes” had a negative impact on Black and racialized people and were “barriers to their advancement, health, safety and overall well-being.”