Black History Month 2023

Dear colleagues,

Twenty-seven years ago, Canada celebrated Black History Month for the very first time. We owe this legacy to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons and a leader who believed in social justice, community education, and the benefits of culturally sensitive policies. Since then, every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. During Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country.

Still to this day, Black Canadians experience discrimination and unfair treatment because of their race. In 2020, approximately 63% of Canada’s Black population reported experiencing discrimination. We all share an obligation to take meaningful action to advance equity and inclusion by removing barriers for Black Canadians and for all equity deserving groups.

At Parks Canada, we value diversity and we are committed to an inclusive workplace where all team members feel safe and welcome. Effective January 30, Lila Turenne was deployed to the position of Senior Director, Values, Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion (VEDI) within the Human Resources and Employee Wellness Directorate. The establishment of this key leadership position was part of the Senior Management Committee’s commitment to supporting a welcoming and inclusive organization and combatting systemic racism and discrimination. And the creation of the Black Employees Network is another positive step towards our goal to engage in meaningful conversations and transform great ideas into concrete actions.

During Black History Month 2023, and all through the year, I encourage everyone to find opportunities for learning and education, to take action against racism, and to foster equity and inclusion in their daily work.

• Learn about Black Persons of Historical Significance in Canada on ParksNet.
• Read about Black History Month and significant events in Black Canadian history.
• Visit the Diversity and Inclusion section on ParksNet to access resources on accessibility and employment equity and learn more about the Mosaic Leadership Development program.
• Managers and staffing advisors: Consult the Diversity and Inclusion Guide on Confluence to learn how to build a more diverse workforce through inclusive hiring practices.
• Register at various series, podcast, events on the Canada School of Public Service such as Anti-Racism Event Series and Leading Diversity.

Let’s work together to foster a culture that welcomes diversity and embraces inclusion to make Parks Canada a better place for all.

Ron Hallman
President & CEO

Réa McKay
Vice President of Human Resources & Employee Wellness and Co-Champion for Black Employees

Michelle Bowden
Director of Conservation Programs within the Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation and Co-Champion for Black Employees

#StrongerTogether #ParksCanadaProud

Reminder to managers: In keeping with Parks Canada's procedures for communications with employees, managers are responsible for ensuring all team members under their responsibility receive the information intended for them. It is important that you find a means to transmit this message and, if any, the attachment(s) to employees without access to Parks Canada e-mail or the intranet, e.g. by posting it, circulating a paper copy or by any other appropriate means.