Black on the Ballot: Most Black Canadians taking part in politics face discrimination, study says
A recent study conducted by Erin Tolley, a Canada Research Chair in Gender, Race, and Inclusive Politics and associate professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, shed light on the discrimination and barriers faced by Black Canadians in politics. Tolley’s research, titled “Black on the Ballot: What Black Canadians Told Us About Running for and Serving in Elected Office,” included a national survey of Black Canadians in politics and archival research to provide a comprehensive account of their participation in Canadian politics.
According to Tolley, there is a lack of research on Black Canadians in politics, as race has historically been a neglected topic in Canadian political science. The study revealed that many Black Canadians encounter negative reactions when entering politics, with 67 out of 95 survey respondents reporting experiences of discrimination while in office or running for office. More than half of these individuals cited discrimination in public or at their workplace, which can impact their tenure in politics.
One of the individuals highlighted in the study is Virginia Hinch, who received racist emails during her campaign for Halifax regional council. Despite facing discrimination, Hinch was elected as councillor for Halifax Peninsula North and shared her experience to raise awareness about the challenges Black Canadians face in politics. Similarly, Wanda Thomas Bernard, the first African Nova Scotian woman in the Canadian Senate, recounted instances of overt and subtle racism upon her arrival in Ottawa.
In a panel discussion at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, both Thomas Bernard and Hinch emphasized the importance of mentorship and representation in politics. Thomas Bernard, a mentor to aspiring Black politicians, believes that seeing someone who looks like them in office can instill hope, encouragement, and self-belief in others. By sharing their experiences and providing guidance, Black politicians like Thomas Bernard and Hinch are paving the way for increased diversity and inclusivity in Canadian politics.
To explore more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians, including accounts of anti-Black racism and success stories within the Black community, readers are encouraged to visit the CBC project “Being Black in Canada.” This initiative aims to celebrate the achievements and challenges faced by Black Canadians, offering a platform for their voices to be heard and acknowledged.
