Visible minorities
For the purposes of the Employment Equity Act, the definition of visible minorities are persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour.
Below are activities to help you learn more about the experience of visible minorities, organized under the following themes:
- History of visible minorities in Canada
- Systemic racism and anti-racism
- Taking action
- Additional tools and resources
To learn more, we invite you to visit the Visible Minorities Network page.
Many of the following learning activities are informal, so don't forget to take credit for your learning by manually adding your learning activity (DOCX, 91 KB) to your learning history in Saba.
Did you know?
Although it is voluntary, self-identification can make a difference in the organization. The self-identification form helps ESDC to create an accurate picture of our workforce; it pinpoints where we need to eliminate barriers that limit or exclude designated groups from opportunities that should be open to all employees.
History of visible minorities in Canada
Increase your knowledge of the history of visible minorities in Canada.
Visible minority
Visible minority refers to whether a person belongs to a visible minority group as defined by the Employment Equity Act and, if so, the visible minority group to which the person belongs. The Employment Equity Act defines visible minorities as "persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour". The visible minority population consists mainly of the following groups: South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latin American, Arab, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese. Visit this page to learn more about the different group of visible minorities.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Cultural Diversity in Canada: The Social Construction of Racial Difference
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the facts of diversity and to explain how racial differences in Canadian society have been produced and constructed, with the view of shedding light on policy options for the future. In seven pages, you will find a summary of the history of cultural diversity in Canada.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Access Cultural Diversity in Canada: The Social Construction of Racial Difference
Prejudice and Discrimination in Canada
In Canadian Encyclopedia article, learn more about the history of prejudice and discrimination against visible minorities in Canada through time, from the early settlements in the 17th century to the state of racism in the late 1990s.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Noteworthy historical figures
Read the biographies of some notable Black individuals who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity, and who have made and continue to make enormous contributions to all sectors of society in Canada.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
The Book of Negroes
Read the story of Aminata, a slave from Africa who finds herself on the plantations in Nova Scotia. This book provides an overview of black history and slavery in Canada.
Duration: Variable – 565 pages
Methodology: Book
Course ID: N/A
Electronic version available: Yes
Systemic racism and anti-racism
Deepen your knowledge by learning more about the concept of systemic racism, its impact and the importance of anti-racism.
Racial discrimination
Read about, systemic racism and racial discrimination and how to identify and address it in the workplace.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Web-based
Course ID: N/A
Setting the context: understanding race, racism and racial discrimination
The Ontario Human Rights Commission's Human Rights Code is in place to prevent and address racial discrimination and harassment in workplaces, schools, in rental housing and when receiving services. Read about "race" as a social construct and how it operates on individual, institutional or systemic and societal levels.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Web-based
Course ID: N/A
Access Setting the context: understanding race, racism and racial discrimination
Understanding Anti-Black Racism and How to Be an Ally
Revisit this panel discussion on anti-Black racism, notably how to address it and how to be an ally. Subject matter experts address the historical Black experience in Canada and talk about current experiences within the federal public service, including how you can make a difference.
Duration: 15 minutes
Methodology: Video
Course ID: N/A
Access Understanding Anti-Black Racism and How to Be an Ally
The Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Files, Episode 40
On this special episode of the GAC Files, watch a candid and powerful conversation between guest host Leslie MacLean, Deputy Minister of International Development, and Kevin Lunianga, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency Operations. Kevin shares his experiences as a Black Canadian and talks about what it means to be allies and to work together to #EndRacism.
Duration: 30 minutes
Methodology: Web based
Course ID: N/A
How to Be an Antiracist
This book by Ibram X. Kendi is a must-read for understanding that we can only be racist or antiracist. Get ready to unlearn everything you think you know about racism and educate yourself on how to dismantle it with antiracism.
Find this book at your library or purchase it from a book retailer (about $65 depending on format).
Duration: Variable – 413 pages
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Electronic version available: Yes
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
In this book, anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo offers practical advice to white people on how and why to avoid becoming defensive when challenged with their own complicity in systemic racism.
Find this book at your library or purchase it from a book retailer (about $35 depending on format).
Duration: Variable – 300 pages
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Electronic version available: Yes
Racism In Canada Is Ever-Present, But We Have A Long History Of Denial
For a long time, Canadian society has denied the existence of racism within our borders. Read about Canada's denial over its racist legacy and the "angel complex", which attempts to explain it away.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Access Racism In Canada Is Ever-Present, But We Have A Long History Of Denial
Racial Wage Gap
University-educated visible minorities who are born in Canada still earn less, on average, than their white counterparts do. Read about why and what can be done to change that.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
What is Systemic Racism? (English-only)
Learn more about systems and structures that put visible minorities at a disadvantage in this 8-part video series. You will find topics such as the wealth gap, employment, housing discrimination and incarceration.
Duration: 10 minutes (total)
Methodology: Video
Course ID: N/A
Breaking the Code (Briser Le Code, French-only)
In this documentary, learn about the following factors that influenced by racial prejudice: cultural appropriation, unconscious bias, code-switching, white privilege, media representation, micro aggressions, racial profiling, systemic racism, diversity, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Duration: 50 minutes
Methodology: Video
Course ID: N/A
Taking action
Take your learning to the next level by adopting behaviors and practices to help make our workplace more inclusive.
Anti-Racism Learning Series
The Anti-Racism Learning Series was designed to provide information on issues around racism and systemic barriers that exist for marginalized and racialized groups in Canada.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Tools, Training and Resources to Combat Racism & Discrimination in the Workplace
Use this toolkit to help combat racism and discrimination in the workplace.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Access Tools, Training and Resources to Combat Racism & Discrimination in the Workplace
Building a Foundation for Change: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022
Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022 is guided by a vision of Canada where all Canadians benefit from equitable access to and participation in the economic, cultural, social and political spheres. It builds a foundation for long-term action by supporting three guiding principles: Demonstrating Federal Leadership, Empowering Communities, and Building Awareness and Changing Attitudes.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Access Building a Foundation for Change: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022
Panel Discussion: Black Careers Matter!
Black careers matter! Learn about the challenges, opportunities and realities of Black employees for career advancement from the experiences of Black senior leaders at ESDC. Come away from the session encouraged, equipped and motivated to pursue your career goals! Although this event is designed for Black employees, all are welcome to gain a better understanding of the Black experience at ESDC.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Methodology: Web-based
Course ID: N/A
Call it Out!
This foundational course introduces the concepts of race, racial discrimination, and human rights protections. Gain a better understanding about the history of racism and tools to fight racial discrimination.
Duration: 30 minutes
Methodology: Web-based
Course ID: N/A
Leading Conversations on Systemic Racism and Racial Discrimination
This presentation is intended as a tool for racialized and non-racialized team leaders, supervisors, managers and executives to prepare for conversations on systemic racism and racial discrimination with their teams.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Access Leading Conversations on Systemic Racism and Racial Discrimination
Additional Tools and Resources
Ontario Public Service Anti-Racism Policy
Read about how the Ontario Public Service policy guide outlines steps to fight racism and create more inclusive work environment.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
4 ways to be an ally in the fight against racism
Learn about how racism and systemic discrimination operate in society and how you can become ally in the fight against systemic racism.
Duration: Variable
Methodology: Reading
Course ID: N/A
Gartner (CEB)
Did you know that you can further your understanding of visible minorities through the Gartner (CEB) subscription service? To access a host of articles, discussions and events, all you need to do is:
- Create an account (DOCX, 25 KB)
- Search their catalogue with the keywords "visible minority", "racism" or "discrimination".
Manager's Toolkit in Diversity Management
On this page you will find more than 20 resources and reference documents about diversities management. That includes employment equity, self-identification, evaluation of candidates who self-identifies as a member of an equity group and much more!
If you have questions about these offerings or need assistance to register, contact your Learning Coordinator (XLSX, 24 KB) (NCR) or your Learning Centre (regions).