The County of Carleton Law Association's Statement of Solidarity
June 5, 2020
Prime Minister Trudeau recently and boldly stated what many Black people in Canada knew and unfortunately have lived. Anti-Black racism exists in Canada. It is not an American phenomenon. It exists across our country and, of course, it exists within our legal community. Denial of that reality, or continuing along the path of oblivious silence, is not productive if we, as a society, expect to positively evolve.
Many Canadians grow up learning about slavery, segregation, and racism in an American context as though these things did not happen here as well. History has proven - and some of those among us have lived a reality - that confirms that while racism and deep-seated racial issues in Canada are not ‘advertised,’ they have always been a part of the fabric of our society.
Racism’s adverse effect on Black people in all aspects of life, including economically, educationally, and within the justice system must stop. As Angela Davis said, “In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
The CCLA will not be complicit with denial. Avoidance, a polite demeanor, and a smile will not eradicate racism. Silence is not effective. Nor is violence.
Reliance on the rule of law is not negotiable. The CCLA stands by the position that justice requires the law to be fairly applied and enforced. All citizens, including members of the Black community must be confident and trust that our justice system is fair, equitable, and just. Members of the Black community must be able to trust that the justice system is void of systemic racism.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Rohan Bansie, CCLA Member and on behalf of the CCLA
We at the CCLA stand in solidarity with the eloquent words of our member and colleague at the Bar, Rohan Bansie. The County of Carleton Law Association’s first strategic direction is to champion justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. We stand in solidarity with people peacefully protesting police brutality and the quest for accountability and justice. Bias and systemic racism is a reality that too many Canadians live on a daily basis, and which have been dismissed and ignored for too long. This includes the County of Carleton. We are not immune and must do better. Incidents of anti-Black violence, in both the United States and Canada, are a call to action for all people of good will. Our members will listen, learn, and advocate with you.
The pervasive racial inequalities present in our society continue to be reinforced by systemic failings, with particularly adverse effects on our Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. The CCLA understands that our legal systems and laws must evolve and that they must be fairly enforced in order to gain, maintain, and improve the public trust. Systemic racism is a deeply ingrained problem in Canada, as it is elsewhere. Lawyers have a unique and important role to play in the evolution of our justice system as we collectively strive towards equality and fairness.
The CCLA rejects all forms of racism. The CCLA knows that we as an organization can and must do more to be agents of positive change. We call on all governments, institutions, businesses, and people of good will to listen, learn, and advocate with an open heart and mind.
Craig O’Brien, CCLA President
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