The Black Executives Network / Le Réseau des exécutifs noirs (BEN/REN)

About

The Black Executives Network / Le Réseau des exécutifs noirs (BEN/REN), was established in July 2020 to support Black executives in the federal public service, while working with the Government of Canada to address issues of systemic and anti-Black racism with a view to making the Canadian public service an institution that is representative at all levels, recognizes talent and leverages it to better serve all Canadians.

The network exists to ensure that the voices of Black executives and employees in the public service are heard and to be an active partner and agent of change in addressing issues of anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in the FPS. BEN/REN provides a credible voice on the identification and response to issues ensuring that Black perspectives are taken into account in government processes and decision-making.

Context

The recent and recorded instances of police brutality against Black people in North America and the subsequent global outcry for racial equality and justice, juxtaposed against the UN Declaration for People of African Descent (UNDAPD) adopted by Canada, and the decades of work and sacrifice, have brought the issue of anti-Black and systemic racism to the forefront. These events have highlighted the need to accelerate progress in these areas.

The roots of anti-Black and systemic racism and discrimination in Canada run deep. As Black employees in the federal public service this is a foundational aspect of both our professional and personal lived experiences, impacting everything from career progression and representation, to our mental health. The experiences of anti-Black racism, as well as its impacts are varied. For example, Black women, Black LGBTQ2+ persons and Black persons with disabilities face further marginalization due to other forms of discrimination intersecting with racial discrimination.

Mission

The Black Executive's mission is to:

Build and sustain a strong, inclusive and influential network of Black executives who are committed to public service excellence, sound stewardship and positive outcomes for all Canadians.
Promote talent management by supporting, mentoring and sponsoring Black executives and aspiring executives.
Exemplify the changes we want to effect in the FPS.
Support the mental health and well-being of Black executives in the FPS.

Priorities

The following priorities represent the areas of work the network will be focusing on and collaborating with senior management and key allies to advance and support the BEN/REN Mission.

Committee Structure

Steering Committee Members

The BEN/REN is led by a steering committee of five executives involved and engaged in leading the networks initiatives.

Paula Folkes-Dallaire, Director General, Defence Procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Tahanee McKnight, Special Advisor, Privy Council Office
Kevin Petit-Frère, Director, Defense Construction Canada
Hantz Prosper, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Richard Sharpe, Director, Department of Justice Canada

Steering Committee Secretariat

Christopher Scipio, Senior Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) Policy Advisor & Team Lead and BEN/REN Senior Analyst
Victoria Simba, Project Coordinator, Public Services Canada and BEN/REN Administrative Coordinator

Champions

DM Champion: Caroline Xavier, Associate Deputy Minister, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
ADM Champion: Gail Johnson, Chief Human Resources Officer, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

DM Ally Champions

Bill Matthews, Deputy Minister of National Defence and DM ally for the UNDPAD
Jody Thomas, National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister

Accomplishments

Since July 2020, BEN/REN has developed a mandate and mission statement, recommendations to address anti-Black and systemic racism, and an engagement strategy. In addition, the Interim Steering Committee has undertaken a number of initiatives including:

Deputy Minister Panel discussion on the topic of equity, diversity and inclusion in support of the Clerk’s Call to Action which included Deputy Jody Thomas, Deputy Arianne Reza and Chief Statistician of Canada Anil Arora
Engagement with the Clerk and Interim Clerk of the Privy Council (PCO) to discuss priorities for the government’s anti-Black racism, diversity and inclusion agenda
Engagement with the OCHRO on development and implementation of a Black Executive Talent management framework
Provision of responses to numerous requests for consultation including for the Clerk’s “Call to Action Call to action on anti-racism, equity, and inclusion in the Federal Public Service
Drafting of written correspondence outlining key BEN/REN priorities to PCO, OCHRO and the PSC
Coordination of several meetings of the Black Executives Network, two of which included participation of federal Cabinet Ministers, at their requests
Broad engagement with other senior officials on issues related to anti-Black racism and racial discrimination in the FPS
Identification of BEN/REN Champions and Deputy Minister Ally Champions

How to be involved

Membership in BEN/REN is open to people of African descent who are Federal Public Servant executives (at the EX 01 level and above, or are acting for one year or more in an EX position). If you fit that description, please consider becoming a member. BEN/REN currently has over 90 members Canada-wide. Being a member will give you the opportunity to stay connected and explore opportunities for further engagement. You will have access to our upcoming events and will have opportunities to contribute to BEN/REN's mandate.

To join, please subscribe to our mailing list by sending us your name, title and department/agency to reseaubenren@gmail.com

Self Identification

We encourage all Black employees to self-identify in surveys and employment processes to give BEN/REN and the government an accurate picture of Black representation and experiences in the public service

Contact us

GC Collab: The Black Executives Network / Le Réseau des exécutif noirs (BEN/REN)

GC Connex: The Black Executives Network / Le Réseau des exécutif noirs (BEN/REN)

Email: reseaubenren@gmail.com