Operation Black Vote Canada Speaks Out Against Anti-Black Racism

By Neil Armstrong

Photo contributed.       Annamie Paul, Green Party of Canada leadership candidate

Operation Black Vote Canada says like many Black and racialized Canadians, it is troubled by the racism that Annamie Paul, Green Party of Canada’s leadership candidate experienced during a Green Party debate recently. 

The organization said the fact that these events occurred in the 21st century is a clear reminder that the challenges and impacts of anti-Black racism still persist in Canada. 

“That a leadership candidate who is currently and publicly engaged in the political process could experience this type of racism, only underscores this point.  

“The disturbing pattern of these occurrences—from candidates to staff and volunteers being targeted on account of their Blackness must come to an end. Efforts to eliminate expressions of ignorance and intolerance must move from mere contrition to honest introspection and meaningful engagement, by both our leaders and our institutions, if things are to change for the better.”

Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) is an organization committed to increasing the representation of Black and other racialized communities in politics and government. 

“As such, we are deeply concerned about the effect these events will have on Canada’s diversity being reflected across our political landscape. Sadly, Annamie Paul’s brush with hate is a reminder of what many Black and people of colour must navigate on a regular basis. Many Black candidates, political staff and volunteers have chronicled their experiences with racism – both grossly overt and repetitive microaggressions – and the damage that accompanies it.”

The organization is calling for a full investigation into the situation with Paul and, knowing that the effects of racism isn’t limited to just this instance, issues a call to all four major parties to undertake the internal reviews necessary in both their federal and internal divisions to ensure the full and equal participation of all communities in the processes, operation and leadership of their organizations.

“An apology isn’t enough. Pledges to change aren’t enough. Now is the time for meaningful – and recognizable – action,” says Velma Morgan, Chair of OBVC. “Whether your goal is to lead a province or a country, the steps you take to protect and develop Black candidates, staff and volunteers speaks to your commitment to ensure that our politics match our highest ideals as a nation.”

“If we’re going to get this right, the fight against anti-Black racism must begin before the name goes on the ballot.”

Meanwhile, the Green Party of Canada has strongly condemned the racist, sexist and anti-Semitic attacks against two leadership contestants during an online town hall conducted on Zoom on July 21. 

It noted that the vile language appeared briefly in the public chat space before moderators ejected the perpetrators from the event and deleted their hateful comments. 

“This is absolutely unacceptable,” tweeted Green Party executive director Prateek Awasthi after the debate.

 “We have launched an investigation, and if they are members, we will expel them immediately.” 

The Green Party has since confirmed that the perpetrators’ contact information does not match with any member listed in the GPC databases, and has reported the incident as a hate crime to the Ottawa Police and the RCMP.

The party’s interim leader, Jo-Ann Roberts, also condemned the attacks on the evening of the debate.

  “In our Prairies townhall tonight, 2 of our leadership contestants were subject to abhorrent racist & anti-Semitic attacks from participants. Those behind the attacks were not GPC members, and never will be,” she said on Twitter.

Several other leadership contestants took to social media to condemn the attacks and stand in solidarity with their fellow contestants. 

Roberts said the party has taken added precautions to avoid any recurrence. 

“During the remainder of the leadership contest, we will be disabling the public chat feature on Zoom. We must strive to keep online spaces a safe place for discussion and dialogue. We must work together to call out discrimination in all its forms. We sincerely apologise to everyone who was impacted by this horrible event.”

Awasthi said the Green Party was proud to host the most diverse leadership race in Canadian history, “and unfortunately, many of our contestants have faced hatred due to their identities.”

“The Green Party has made a bold commitment to anti-discrimination, and we will always stand in solidarity against hatred and bigotry.” 

Nine contestants are running to be the new Green Party leader. 

The party will announce its new leader in October. Voting will take place from September 26 to October 3, online and by mail-in ballot. All Green Party of Canada members aged 14 and over are eligible to vote. Non-members must sign up by September 3 to take part in the ballot.