About the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat
Who we are
The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat (ARSEC), within the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada, leads the implementation of Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028. This plan covers over 70 federal initiatives and takes a comprehensive approach to eliminating systemic racism and discrimination in Canada.
The new Strategy builds on the fundamentals established by Canada’s first anti-racism strategy, Building a Foundation for Change: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022.
What we do
The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat helps federal departments and agencies combat the effects of systemic racism, discrimination, and hate on Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, racialized communities, and religious minorities.
Community Engagement
We engage with diverse communities to better understand their needs and the impact of federal policies on them.
Policy and Systems Change
We help inform the work of government departments to create and implement policies that combat systemic racism, discrimination, and hate in different areas.
Our circle of change
The Federal Secretariat uses a unique approach to ignite change that can transform the lives of people affected by racism in Canada.
Listening to communities
We listen to the voices of peoples and communities that regularly face racism across Canada. This includes Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, Asian communities, Arab communities, Latin American communities, Jewish communities, Muslim communities, and Palestinian communities. They help us help Government understand their experiences and barriers, and increase opportunities.
Supporting Federal Organizations
We share feedback and community perspectives with federal organizations to help inform federal policies and programs. In some cases, we help federal organizations develop new initiatives or tools to address racial inequities. We also help the government understand how decisions could affect people experiencing racism.
Anti-Racism Framework Tools
We are building tools to help workers across the federal government combat racism in their areas of work.
International Ideas
We share Canada’s experiences and actions with others internationally – and we recognize that Canada does not have all the answers, so we also listen and learn from partners around the world.
Getting involved
Sign up for the latest in information on:
- funding opportunities
- research
- Governor in Council appointments
- ARSEC events near you
Learn how you can get involved in international work, with the Canadian chapter of the North American Network for Equity and Racial Justice.
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