In Canada, systemic discrimination has long been a reality faced by Black workers across various federal departments, resulting in barriers to fair treatment, hiring, and promotion. Now, a landmark $2.5 billion Black Class Action lawsuit is fighting to address this injustice, marking a significant chapter in the battle for equality within the nation’s civil service. This landmark case, led by the Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS) and championed by advocate Nicholas Marcus Thompson, represents 45,000 Black public service employees and applicants who have long faced career advancement barriers, biased hiring practices, and systemic workplace inequities.
Meet Nicholas Marcus Thompson: A Leading Voice for Equity and Justice
At the forefront of this monumental legal battle is Nicholas Marcus Thompson, President and CEO of BCAS. Thompson, a committed human rights advocate and accomplished labor leader, has dedicated his career to championing justice for marginalized workers across Canada. His advocacy extends to the global stage, where he has spoken at the United Nations and Amnesty International, consistently calling for action to address workplace racism. Over years of dedicated service, Thompson has held numerous elected positions, including President of the Union of Taxation Employees Toronto North and Vice President of the Greater Toronto Area Council of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
In 2020, Thompson mobilized a coalition of Black public service workers to initiate this class action lawsuit, recognizing that policy and legislative change was necessary to uproot the deeply embedded systemic discrimination within Canada’s public institutions. Under his leadership, BCAS continues to challenge discriminatory practices and advocate for fair representation and equality across the federal workforce.
A History of Discrimination in Canada’s Federal Public Service
For decades, Black workers within Canada’s public service have faced considerable barriers, impacting their ability to secure fair hiring, promotions, and workplace treatment. Despite recent governmental acknowledgments of systemic racism, meaningful change has been slow to materialize. In response, Thompson and BCAS took the legal route, filing this historic lawsuit to expose and rectify the institutional biases that have marginalized Black employees.
In pursuing this case, the federal government has allocated approximately $10 million in taxpayer funds toward its legal defense, sparking significant public criticism. For many, this funding allocation underscores a troubling reluctance to confront the documented history of racial discrimination within Canada’s federal public service.
Current Developments: Certification Hearing at the Federal Court of Canada
The certification hearing for this lawsuit began on October 29, 2024, at the Federal Court of Canada in Toronto, and is anticipated to last 11 days. A certification ruling would enable the lawsuit to proceed as a class action, formally validating the grievances of Black public service workers and allowing the case to advance to trial.
BCAS organized a public rally outside the courthouse, drawing in supporters for a show of solidarity with Black federal employees.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
As the hearing continues, the fight for justice remains a critical juncture for Canada’s federal institutions. For Thompson, BCAS, and the thousands of Black workers represented in this lawsuit, this case signifies more than a legal battle; it represents a broader demand for justice, fairness, and equal opportunity within Canadian public institutions.
The Black Class Action Secretariat encourages everyone committed to justice to show support. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Send an email to Canada’s leaders to voice your support for equity in public service.
- Share information on social media to increase awareness of this case.
- Sign the petition demanding justice and fair treatment for Black public service workers.
- Register to attend the hearing virtually or RSVP to show solidarity in person at 180 Queen St. West, Toronto.
This moment calls for a collective push towards a fairer, more inclusive future where Canada’s federal workforce reflects the diversity and values of its people. A Future of Inclusivity
Video Source: CTV News Channel