Province Moves to Create Anti-Racism Office
FREDERICTON — The Government of New Brunswick has released its plan to address racism in the province and has formally responded to the final report from the commissioner on systemic racism.
“Racism has no place in New Brunswick,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Training. He said the work to dismantle racism will require sustained, multi-generational effort and that the province intends to lead changes across government.
As part of the plan, New Brunswick will establish an anti-racism office within the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. The province says it will be the fifth Canadian jurisdiction to create a dedicated anti-racism office, focused on addressing racism while promoting equity and inclusion.
Focus on Removing Barriers and Driving Policy Change
The new office is expected to work on dismantling systemic racism and removing barriers through policy changes, challenging existing practices, and partnering with impacted communities and stakeholders.
Progress Report on Recommendations
In its response to the commissioner’s report, the province says work has begun or been completed on 59 per cent of the report’s 86 recommendations, with another 19 per cent identified to be initiated.
To improve transparency, the government also plans to launch a new website to track progress and provide public updates.
“We’re proud to be fulfilling our commitment to respond to this report and of the progress being made,” D’Amours said, adding that not all recommendations can be implemented immediately, but the province will continue working with partners — including the New Brunswick Multicultural Council and cultural communities — to advance further improvements.
Partners Welcome the Move
The anti-racism office will collaborate with partners and monitor progress on implementing the report’s recommendations, including posting status updates online.
“The establishment of an anti-racism office is a significant step for New Brunswick,” said Ben McNamara, executive director of the New Brunswick Multicultural Council. He said the commissioner’s report underscored the need for senior-level leadership with authority to oversee efforts to dismantle systemic racism, and pledged the council’s support in turning recommendations into meaningful action.
Indigenous Voices to be Part of Ongoing Work
The province also noted that further dialogue with First Nations leadership will be required to ensure the experiences and concerns of Indigenous Peoples are addressed as the plan moves forward.
Summary: New Brunswick launches anti-racism plan, creates office, and tracks progress on systemic racism report.
