Investing in Black Canadian Communities

The federal government is extending its efforts to promote equality and empower Black Canadians until 2028. This extension builds upon the United Nations (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent, initially endorsed by Canada in 2018 and running from 2015 to 2024. The government aims to strengthen Black leadership in business, social justice, and community through this initiative.

Since 2018, the government has committed up to $860 million to Black-focused initiatives, encompassing racial justice, entrepreneurship, and economic dignity. The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative has invested in over 2,300 projects supporting charities and non-profit organizations led by Black Canadians. The Foundation for Black Communities will manage the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, providing long-term funding to organizations combating anti-Black racism and improving social and economic well-being. The Black Entrepreneurship Program is assisting thousands of Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs.

Canada was the first OECD country to formally recognize the UN Decade in 2018. In 2019, Canada launched its Anti-Racism Strategy, a whole-of-government approach led by a Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat. More than $175 million has been invested through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative since 2019, with an additional $25 million committed for 2024-25. The government has invested up to $265 million in the Black Entrepreneurship Program.

The development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy addresses anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination within the criminal justice system. Budget 2021 allocated up to $200 million to establish the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, administered by the Foundation for Black Communities. The government has also invested $10 million in the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund, supporting 23 community and Black-led projects since 2018. Canada annually recognizes Black History Month.