Most Black Canadians believe their employers have delivered on promises to create more equitable workplaces, but a majority continue to face racism and microaggressions at work, according to a new survey by KPMG Canada.
The survey, released Tuesday, found that 86 per cent of Black Canadians said their employers have made significant progress toward equity goals in the past five years. Despite these gains, 77 per cent reported experiencing racism, discrimination, or microaggressions at work over the past year.
“It’s heartening that Black Canadians feel corporate Canada has made progress on its goals to be more inclusive and equitable,” said Rob Davis, chief inclusion, diversity and equity officer at KPMG Canada. “But while organizations have done much to ensure all employees are treated fairly, our survey reveals that many Black Canadians continue to experience racism in the workplace.”
The fourth annual KPMG survey of 1,000 Black Canadians found that while 75 per cent feel valued and respected equally compared to their non-Black colleagues, 78 per cent expressed confidence that their employers will further reduce systemic barriers over the next five years.
Davis stressed the importance of employers maintaining trust by taking meaningful action. “As we navigate ongoing conversations around breaking down barriers, it’s important to recognize the lived experiences of Black Canadians,” he said. “It’s simply good business to create an environment that enables everyone to fully participate, be productive, and bring their best to work.”
Nearly nine in 10 respondents said business leaders must actively speak out against racism, particularly as online hate increasingly spills into workplaces. Seventy-eight per cent indicated that racism seen on social media platforms is contributing directly to tensions and discomfort at work.
The survey also showed optimism among respondents that Canadian companies will continue to address systemic racism independently from U.S. trends, with 83 per cent anticipating further progress in hiring and promotion practices.
The KPMG poll was conducted online between Dec. 17, 2024, and Jan. 6, 2025, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
