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Rising 2025: Black Excellence and Canadian Policy

On January 30, 2018, the Government of Canada endorsed the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD) and committed to learning more about issues specific to Black Canadians, which includes a commitment to improving research and disaggregated data collection. This announcement acknowledged, for the first time, Black Canadians as a distinct group and the prevalence of anti-Black racism in Canadian society. On February 7, 2024, Canada further cemented this commitment when it announced it would extend the UNDPAD to 2028 to provide more time to take concrete actions.

In partnership with the Black Executives Network and the Federal Black Employee Caucus, this 3-day conference will bring together government officials, community leaders, and subject matter experts to discuss the progress on the government's UNDPAD commitments since 2018. Outcomes from this conference will be used to inform and bring about new insights on future government initiatives for Black communities in Canada.

February 10, 11 and 12, 2025, in person in Ottawa and online.

This event is open to public servants and the general public.

Register for this event

Program Outline

Day 1: A Review of Canada’s Progress on the UNDPAD

Day 2: Canada’s Future-Oriented Approach to the UNDPAD

Day 3: Advancing Black Communities in Canada

Program

Day 1 - February 10, 2025

Theme: A Review of Canada's Progress on the UNDPAD

Theme: A Review of Canada's Progress on the UNDPAD
Time Description
9:00 am to 9:30 am

Introductory Remarks and Land Acknowledgement

The masters of ceremonies open the conference, outline logistics, and present a land acknowledgement. Includes opening remarks on behalf of the Canada School of Public Service.
9:30 am to 9:50 am

Keynote #1: Setting the Stage

Keynote addressing Canada's UNDPAD commitments and ways to promote transparency and support for Black communities.
9:50 am to 10:50 am

Panel #1: Government Progress on the UNDPAD in Canada

A discussion with senior officials on government activities under UNDPAD, challenges, and plans to maintain momentum through 2028.
11:05 am to 12:00 pm

Panel #2: Dialogue with Members of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Members of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent share expert insights on Canada's role in advancing the UNDPAD and engaging the Black community.
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Panel #3: Tri-Government Discussion on Actions in Support of the UNDPAD

A discussion on current challenges, emerging opportunities, and best practices with federal, provincial, and municipal Black-focused organizations.
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm

National Institute for People of African Descent Update

An overview of the National Institute for People of African Descent's focus on supporting Black Canadians through research and informing public policy.
2:15 pm to 3:15 pm

Panel #4: External Review of Anti-Black Racism in Canada

Research experts discuss systemic anti-Black racism in Canada and offer actionable policy insights.
3:15 pm to 3:30 pm

Day 1 Closing Remarks and Land Acknowledgement

The masters of ceremonies conclude Day 1 with reflections and a land acknowledgement.
6:30 pm to 11:00 pm Black Policy Networking Event (in person only)
Day 2 - February 11, 2025

Theme: Canada's Future-Oriented Approach to the UNDPAD

Theme: Canada's Future-Oriented Approach to the UNDPAD
Time Description
9:00 am to 9:10 am

Introductory Remarks and Land Acknowledgement

The masters of ceremonies present a land acknowledgement.
9:10 am to 9:30 am

Keynote #2: Celebrating Black Excellence

The keynote speaker talks about empowering Black Canadians to lead in policy and program design impacting their communities.
9:30 am to 10:45 am

Panel #5: Equity, Justice, and Black Self-Advocacy in Government

A panel on advocating for Black public servants and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in government.
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Breakout Sessions: The UNDPAD Pillars – Recognition, Justice, and Development

Workshops discuss and assess UNDPAD-related policies, programs and initiatives, identify gaps, and develop actionable recommendations for improvements.
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Breakout Sessions: The UNDPAD Pillars – Recognition, Justice, and Development (continued)

Workshops discuss and assess UNDPAD-related policies, programs and initiatives, identify gaps, and develop actionable recommendations for improvements.
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm

Plenary Discussion: Future of the UNDPAD in Canada

Participants share insights from the breakout sessions, with interactive feedback opportunities.
3:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Day 2 Closing Remarks and Land Acknowledgement

The masters of ceremonies conclude Day 2 with reflections and a land acknowledgement.
3:15 pm to 4:30 pm FBEC General Meeting (side event)

A side event exclusively for Federal Black Employee Caucus (FBEC) members to discuss updates, initiatives and member engagement.
Day 3 - February 12, 2025

Theme: Advancing Black Communities in Canada

Theme: Advancing Black Communities in Canada
Time Description
9:00 am to 9:10 am

Introductory Remarks and Land Acknowledgement

The masters of ceremonies present a land acknowledgement.
9:10 am to 9:50 am

Fireside Chat: Canada's UNDPAD Opportunities and Strategies

A forward-looking discussion on Canada's approach to accountability and data-driven support for Black communities.
9:50 am to 10:50 am

Panel #6: Emerging Digital Technologies and Impacts on Black Communities in Canada

A session on the digital environment and ways in which Black communities should be tapping into emerging technologies to advance government operations.
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Workshops: Workplace Safety, Black Health and Wellness, and Black Women in the Workforce

  • Workshop #1: Redefining Workplace Safety – Addressing Harassment and Discrimination Through Policy Action

    A deep dive into Canadian policies addressing harassment and discrimination, specifically focusing on Black workers. This session examines how current policies impact grievance procedures and offers tools to support employees facing discrimination.

  • Workshop #2: Advancing Health and Wellness in Black Communities

    This session explores the impact of current health policies on Black Canadians, focusing on mental health, wellness, and policy reforms to improve health outcomes.

  • Workshop #3: Our Strength, Our Voice – Black Women in the Workforce

    A focused session on the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace, reviewing policies to ensure inclusivity and equity. The workshop also explores policy changes to support Black women in leadership.
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Workshops: Workplace Safety, Black Health and Wellness, and Black Women in the Workforce (continued)

  • Workshop #1: Redefining Workplace Safety – Addressing Harassment and Discrimination Through Policy Action

    A deep dive into Canadian policies addressing harassment and discrimination, specifically focusing on Black workers. This session examines how current policies impact grievance procedures and offers tools to support employees facing discrimination.

  • Workshop #2: Advancing Health and Wellness in Black Communities

    This session explores the impact of current health policies on Black Canadians, focusing on mental health, wellness, and policy reforms to improve health outcomes.

  • Workshop #3: Our Strength, Our Voice – Black Women in the Workforce

    A focused session on the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace, reviewing policies to ensure inclusivity and equity. The workshop also explores policy changes to support Black women in leadership.
2:15 pm to 2:30 pm

Day 3 Closing Remarks, Next Steps, and Land Acknowledgement

The masters of ceremonies wrap up the conference, highlight key takeaways, and provide closing acknowledgements.
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