City of Montreal touts progress in tackling systemic racism, discrimination amid allegations
Posted March 28, 2023 4:52 pm.
Last Updated March 29, 2023 9:57 am.
The City of Montreal presented its second annual progress report Tuesday on its fight against discrimination and systemic racism.
While it says that progress has been made, the focus was on measures aimed at eliminating systemic discrimination and racial profiling.
The report also encourages cultural equity, economic and territorial equity and inclusive citizen participation.
“We must continue the work that has been started and accelerate the change of culture and give ourselves the means with which to make the people in the organization accountable,” said executive committee chairperson Dominique Ollivier.
“Since the mayor acknowledged the problem, much progress has been made. But there is still much to be done. Can we do better? Certainly. Must we do better? Absolutely.”
The city recently came under fire for failing to address accusations of systemic racism and discrimination against its own workforce after a series of media reports revealed racism faced by 30 racialized city workers.
“The testimonies that we’re reported the last few weeks are revolting and unacceptable,” added Ollivier.
“I would like to say to the employees who are victims of this situation that the administration of Mrs. Plante, ‘we hear you, we see you, and we won’t let you down.’”
The city says it wants zero tolerance for racism and systemic discrimination and an increase in representation at all levels of public service.
“Our way to work and to tackle racism and systemic discrimination is to put people who are concerned around the table,” said Bochra Manaï, the Montreal commissioner on racism and systemic discrimination. “That’s our way of transforming organizational culture.”
Montreal will also create a one-stop shop to assist staff in filing complaints, with an external committee ensuring protection of their rights and quick resolution.
The Opposition says it’s taking too long for the city to address concerns. It’s asking for an independent investigation.
“When they see there are no results with all the complaints in the past, that does not encourage the employees, the victims, to complain and they don’t have the confidence in the system,” said Ensemble Montreal’s Abdelhaq Sari, the party’s spokesperson for public security.
“A lot of people decide not to complain because they don’t trust the process.”
The city’s executive committee chair says the goals are long-term and require both patience and persistence.
“Fighting systemic racism and discrimination is a commitment that must be carried out by everyone, every day,” said Ollivier.
The action plan was recommended in 2020 after a public consultation showed that racism was systemic and present in all levels of the municipal administration.
