The Values and Ethics of Human Rights Work in the Federal Public Service

Diversity and Inclusion Office | LLMC 2024 | FR

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm ET

Event Description

Join us for a profound and enlightening Masterclass. This Masterclass aims to deepen participants' understanding of the ethical frameworks and values that underpin human rights initiatives within the Federal Public Service. In an era where human rights are at the forefront of public policy and governance, this session will explore the critical role that Federal Public Service and Defence Team members play in upholding and advocating for these fundamental rights.

Whether you are involved in policy development, program implementation, or frontline service delivery, this Masterclass will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the ethics of human rights work and to promote a culture of equity and respect within the Canadian Federal Public Service and Defence Team.

Masterclass Teacher - Richard Sharpe

Richard Sharpe, Director, Black Equity Branch, Treasury Board Secretariat

Richard Sharpe has been a human rights advocate for 30 years, both at the community and institutional levels. Until the beginning of this year, he worked within the Canadian Federal Public Service, where he held several national positions representing employees as both a union representative and as a leader in employee-led organizations. In 2017 he co-founded the first Black employee network in the federal government, the Federal Black Employee Caucus, to tackle anti-Black racism in that institution. He held the position of Director of Equity, Anti-racism, Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of Justice Canada, where he spearheaded department and enterprise-wide initiatives to address long-standing discriminatory practices in the federal government. He is currently the Director of the Black Equity Branch, Treasury Board Secretariat in the Ontario Public Service.

At the community level, Richard was instrumental in forming the 613/819 National Capital Region Black Hub to bring together Black community members and organizations to collectively address anti-Black racism in areas such as education, policing, and mental health. He has also been involved in leading initiatives to realize the objectives of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD), including securing government support for Black Economic Inclusion initiatives and being prt of Black community efforts to create the National Institute for People of African Descent (NIPAD). In December 2022, he was part of the Canadian civil society delegation at the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent.

Richard has championed disaggregated socio-demographic data collection efforts at all levels and in all sectors. His work regionally and nationally is intended to improve the condition of Black and African diaspora communities in Canada. Richard is a sought-after speaker for his frank commentary on systemic racism, anti-black racism and allyship and for his concrete solutions for action and results. His opinion pieces have been published in the Ottawa Citizen and LinkedIn.

Richard is proud to be a child of immigrants of Jamaican ancestry and the eldest of six. His roles as father and partner are the two that he holds most dear.Born in Toronto, Canada to Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents, living a life rooted in belonging for her means embracing her imperfections, loving hard even though she's had her heart broken a bazillion times, and embracing all aspects of herself — the good, the bad, and the ugly. It means taking care of herself so that she can live her best and give her best to others. It means wearing funky clothes, dancing it up to Bhangra and Soca music, and laughing really loud.

It also means speaking up about injustice and using her actions to interrupt the oppression that permeates society.

Co-hosts

Samantha Moonsammy, Section Head Lead Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion, Materiel Group, National Defence

Samantha has spent over 20 years in the public service working in numerous communications, outreach and engagement initiatives that focus on the people side of business. But Samantha is much more than that. Her layers include being a woman, mother, partner, daughter, sister, community builder and immigrant.

As an Indo-Caribbean Canadian, she was born in Guyana, South America and immigrated to Canada as a toddler. From a young age, dating back to elementary school to the present, Samantha has been a leader in diversity, inclusion and equity, always helping to amplify the voice of others and create sustainable change in organizations to build deeper respect and understanding for all humans. Samantha lives in the Ottawa area and spent some time in Toronto and Barbados during her Master’s degree in Communications and Culture. She is a passionate world traveller who has worked and studied in India, China, France and the Caribbean. Her daily mantra:  Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Suzan Richards, Senior Program Advisor, Office of the ADM, Settlement, Integration and Francophone Affairs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Founder of The Cultural Arts Studio,  Suzan is also professional artist and a cultural knowledge keeper in the area of Afro-Caribbean dance. She is committed to preserving and sharing Afro-Caribbean culture to this day and currently providing workshops at the National Arts Center where dances from Africa & The Caribbean are shared and celebrated.

In addition, Suzan is on the Board of Directors with Multicultural Arts In Schools and Communities (MASC), a local non-profit organization that offers schools and communities artistic experiences that awaken the creative process, deepen cultural awareness, encourage engagement, and give a vivid demonstration of Canada's diversity. You can also find her on Rogers-22 as host of Caribbean Calendar as part of their Cultural Mosaic programming.

Suzan is a proud recipient of a 2022-100 Most Accomplished Black Canadian Women Award by the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine and Canada International Black Women Excellence (CIBWE) - Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2022.