On February 5, 2025, USJE Equity Committee member Joe Brathwaite, who is a member of USJE Local 00079, was among invited guests to the official Government of Canada celebration for Black History Month 2025, in Ottawa. The event was hosted by The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities who, along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gave keynote addresses.
This year’s theme, Black Legacy, and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations highlighted past, present and aspirational contributions from the Black community to Canadian society.
Ottawa’s annual Black History Gala is an opportunity to mark Black History month in Canada. Minister Khera stated that, “Diversity in Canada is a fact. But inclusion is a choice.”
Minister Khera is also the MP for Brampton – West in Ontario. During the informal networking portion, she highlighted her familiarity with the Union of Safety and Justice Employees as a leading public safety union. In her conversation with Mr. Brathwaite, she also recognized USJE’s efforts to amplify its focus on equity and diversity, particularly through our upcoming National Equity conference in Halifax, NS.
USJE extends its gratitude to Mr. Brathwaite for representing USJE at this key event. He noted:
“Under the banner of USJE, I was honoured to attend the Black History Month event and engage with attendees from business, academia, and government. USJE’s diverse membership add to the galvanization of Union solidarity and communal strength.”
USJE would also like to remind members that there is a plaque commemorating the legacy of James Calbert Best in the lobby of the PSAC building in Ottawa. Mr. Best played a prominent role in the formation of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the largest federal public sector union in Canada. Through his leadership and so many others, we celebrate the significant contributions of Black Canadians in the Labour movement – both past and present.