The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission has released a new guideline aimed at helping employers, housing providers, and service organizations identify and eliminate racially discriminatory practices
Published to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Guideline on Race Discrimination outlines how the province’s Human Rights Act protects individuals from race-based discrimination in employment, housing, and public services.
The document examines race and racism through historical, cultural, political, and legal lenses. It also provides definitions of key terms such as race discrimination and racial profiling, along with recommendations for best practices in addressing systemic inequality.
“Racist attitudes, racism and race discrimination need to be addressed through viable legal frameworks, effective education on race issues, and systemic remedial measures to alleviate race-related disadvantages,” said Phylomène Zangio, chair of the commission.
The guideline also reviews relevant case law, including decisions from the Supreme Court of Canada, and highlights the role of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international human rights instruments in combating race discrimination.
It further explores how race intersects with other grounds protected under the act—such as colour, ancestry, national origin, sex, religion, place of origin and social condition—emphasizing how individuals may face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination.
Zangio encouraged organizations to adopt the guideline’s recommendations to eliminate barriers faced by racialized individuals and to help foster a culture of inclusion, dignity and equality across the province.
The commission is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in New Brunswick and offers resources and a complaints process for those who experience discrimination.
