Later this year, Canadians will vote in the 43rd federal election. Many non-profit organizations, networks, and coalitions see elections as a critical opportunity to raise relevant public policy issues. Recently, the rules for charities engaging in public policy have become a prominent source of debate and discussion in government and the sector. As we countdown to the next election, The Philanthropist is asking non-profit leaders what public policy issues are top of mind for them.
Name and organization: Ladan Egeh, SisterCode
What current election issues might impact your work?
In many of my group discussions with the talented women with whom I work, we discuss what change would look like. It is not just the education system that is working against racialized youth but the health, criminal justice, and immigration systems, among other things that marginalize many Canadians. On the local level there has been great work in trying to address the root causes of this systemic racism. City Council passed the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism in 2017. It has 22 recommendations and 80 action items that include education. I would be interested in seeing how the federal government delivers on its anti-racism strategy after the election.
What issues would you like to bring more attention to in the election?
Moving forward into this election, we need leaders who understand and are intentional about wanting to alleviate struggle. Education remains out of federal jurisdiction, however, the issues I have discussed include change beyond policy shifts to education. In this election, we should be interested in a leader whose platform is understanding of the deep-rooted causes of hate, oppression, and bigotry, someone with a multi-layered and comprehensive approach to implementing change.
Where can we learn more about these issues?
Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism
Towards Race Equity in Education: The Schooling of Black Students in the Greater Toronto Area
Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022
