This page is updated by both the Human Rights & Equity Committee members either the Communications Officer at commofficer@cupe728.ca or the union office at office@cupe728.ca

The Human Rights and Equity Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) members. This committee shall strive to achieve and maintain the following objects:

a) To promote a solid understanding of human rights
b) To promote the principles of equal rights and equity from a union perspective.
c) To encourage recognition of an action that would eliminate stigmas, stereotypes and other barriers facing minority groups.
d) To involve as broad a cross section of people as possible in any and all union and community endeavors.
e) To promote fair and equitable treatment for all. The committee shall work in conjunction with CUPE BC and CUPE National in order to achieve the above goals with the utmost efficiency and timeliness.

All reports and proposals of this Committee shall be made available to the members for information at the next general meeting, following presentation to the Executive. Also, the reports and proposals are to be published in the monthly Chronicle that precedes the meeting the reports and proposals are tabled at.

The 2025/2026 Committee consists of the following CUPE728 members:

Edward Parsotam
Manny Tunchez
Rasbir Sangha
Rabir Waraich
Rupal Singh

Sept 2025

Article : National Truth and Reconciliation day

Written by the Human Rights & Equity Committee on behalf of CUPE728

How great is it that we reside in a nation that recognizes many ethnic cultural days of recognition?

What’s been identified is that visitors who have come to Turtle Island have brought their beliefs and celebrations and passed them on to Canadians to highlight and celebrate. Even those who were brought here for work, to build infrastructure and transportation, and those who came with families, are now celebrating or highlighting their own cultures and traditions.

But what about those who have been here on Turtle Island long before any of us?

What about the First Peoples — the original stewards of this land since time immemorial?

Are there days that Canada has officially recognized to honor them?

Yes, But until recently, these days have often been overlooked or forgotten by many. One of the most important among them is National Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange shirt day, observed each year on September 30.

This day is not just symbolic, it’s a sad reminder of a painful and often hidden part of Canadian history: the residential school system, which operated for over 150 years. During this time, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families and forced into government- and church-run schools with the intent to erase their language, culture, and identity. Many faced neglect and abuse. Thousands did not survive.

Truth and Reconciliation Day is about acknowledging that truth. It’s a time for all of us — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations that move us toward understanding, healing, and meaningful change.

It’s not just about history, it’s about the present and the future.

It’s about honouring the strength and resilience of Survivors and their families.

It’s about recognizing that reconciliation is not a destination; it’s a process that requires ongoing effort, respect, and action.

As we continue to celebrate the diverse cultural fabric of this country, let us also ensure we are not ignoring or sidelining the foundational cultures upon which this land was built. Let us elevate Indigenous voices, stories, and truths — not just on September 30, but throughout the year.

Reconciliation starts with awareness — and awareness begins with listening.

April 2025

Links from the Memorandum:

HEU issued a media release on January 30, 2025.

We are gather information here

More information on the IRCC can be found here and here.

For a resource to support outreach and education, please see CUPE’s Temporary foreign workers in our union: A solidarity and action guide as well as the information sheet CUPE members working with temporary immigration status: Know your rights.

February was Black History Month and CUPE 728’s Human Rights & Equity Committee shared information and highlights throughout the month, including

Rosa Parks

Civil rights activist Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott that eventually ended racial segregation on public transportation.

Born in February 1913, Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in 1955 led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her bravery led to nationwide efforts to end racial segregation on public transportation and elsewhere.

Yvonne Squires

For Black History Month, we wanted to share biographies of some notable Black people in Canada who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity, and who have made and continue to make enormous contributions to the wellbeing, and prosperity of our country.

Yvonne Squires is a dedicated and passionate advocate for equity and justice. She immigrated to Canada from Kingston, Jamaica, in 1967, bringing with her a deep sense of commitment to fairness, equity, and community.

Over the course of a distinguished 40-year career in the federal public service, Yvonne has left an indelible mark on the Government of Canada, specifically through her work with the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency. Her tenure in public service has been defined by a steadfast advocacy for the most vulnerable, particularly racialized communities, and a tireless dedication to promoting equity in all aspects of her work.

A passionate advocate for seniors in Brampton, Yvonne has worked to amplify their voices and ensure they receive the support and services they need to thrive. Her approach has always been rooted in integrity and fact-based advocacy, with an unwavering commitment to fairness and equality. Yvonne’s leadership extended to her role as the Toronto Branch President of the Customs and Excise Union, where she worked to champion the rights of her colleagues while also ensuring that the principles of fairness and equity were upheld within the workplace.

Her exceptional contributions to the public service have not gone unnoticed. Yvonne has been recognized by all levels of government, as well as multiple prime ministers, for her outstanding service and dedication to public duty. Outside of her professional life, Yvonne is a proud mother of two and a devoted grandmother to two grandchildren. Her life’s work continues to inspire those around her, reflecting her unwavering belief in the power of advocacy, fairness, and the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Nov 2024

A History of Women’s Rights in Canada

By Rasbir Sangha

The history of women’s rights in Canada reflects a real long struggle for equality and justice. In the 1900s, Canadian women had very limited rights, largely limited to domestic roles, with no legal rights to vote, hold public office, or own property. The movement for women’s rights gained momentum in the early 20th century.

In 1916, Manitoba became the first province in Canada to grant women the right to vote, followed by other provinces. In 1918, women across Canada won the right to vote in federal elections, although Indigenous women were excluded until 1960. This marked a significant victory in the struggle for women’s political rights.

The 1960s – 1970s saw the rise of the feminist movement in Canada, with women advocating for reproductive rights, equal pay, and an end to gender discrimination. In 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms agreed to gender equality in law, further protecting women’s rights.

Today, while significant progress has been made, Canadian women still face challenges, such as wage gaps and violence. The ongoing fight for gender equality remains a vital part of Canada’s human rights history.

Islamic History month

By Rabia Waraich

Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC), celebrated every October, is a time to honor and recognize the diverse cultural, intellectual, and social contributions of Muslims to Canada. Established in 2007 and championed by the late Mauril Bélanger, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier, IHMC has been embraced by communities, provinces, and municipalities across the nation. Through events, exhibits, and educational initiatives, IHMC promotes understanding and unity, showcasing the history and achievements of Muslim Canadians.

A central focus of IHMC is highlighting the significant impact of Muslim scholars, scientists, and innovators throughout history. Muslims have contributed profoundly to the fields of science, medicine, astronomy, and the humanities, leaving a legacy that continues to enrich our modern world. For instance, medieval Muslim physicians developed foundational medical practices such as surgical techniques, pharmacology, and the establishment of hospitals—advances that influence healthcare systems to this day. Their approach to wellness, emphasizing balance and preventive care, has also gained renewed relevance in contemporary health discussions.

IHMC provides Canadians with an opportunity to learn about these contributions and to appreciate the cultural richness that Muslim Canadians bring to society. By fostering inclusivity and awareness, IHMC encourages a stronger, more cohesive national community, recognizing the diversity that has been, and continues to be, integral to Canada’s story.

June is Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate and learn about the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. In BC, there are 203 nations and 30 distinct language groups, with over 60 dialects. Ninety-five percent of BC is on unceded (stolen) First Nations territory. Unceded means that First Nations people never ceded or legally signed away their lands to the Crown or to Canada. Take a few minutes to visit www.native-land.ca and learn about the Indigenous nation(s) that reside on the land you currently occupy. It is important to acknowledge the territory and its original name, as well as understand the meaning behind it. This simple act of learning the place name is a meaningful first step in recognizing and respecting Indigenous lands and peoples.

The rich history of Indigenous peoples in Canada spans thousands of years, reaching back to time immemorial. A notable example of this enduring legacy is the recovery of artifacts from a BC Heiltsuk First Nation village site, which dates back over 14,000 years. This discovery, as reported in the Vancouver Sun, provides tangible evidence of the deep roots and ancient presence of Indigenous communities in North America. https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/heiltsuk-first-nation-village-among-oldest-in-north-america-archeologists/

During this time, Indigenous people have contributed to Canada’s culture in many ways. Click on these 7-minute video links to learn more about Food and Health contributions https://vimeo.com/275309033 and about contributions to Transportation, Games, and other items https://vimeo.com/275308223

As Canadians begin to learn more about the history of Canada, which is 156 years old this year, it is important to remember that the treatment of Indigenous people is marred by centuries of colonization, forced assimilation, and systemic oppression. Indigenous communities have endured and continue to experience the devastating impacts of residential schools, land dispossession, cultural genocide, and ongoing challenges in achieving justice, equality, and reconciliation.

One of the most important facts to face is that Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and children are still statically the most harmed groups in our country. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIW2S) are 12 times more likely to be harmed by kidnapping and murder. They are often the subject of many unsolved cases, oftentimes because the police and justice system do not act quickly or efficiently. To learn more about what two-spirit means, read this CBC Kids article https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/do-you-know-what-two-spirit-means

According to the last census, Indigenous children in the child welfare system make up 53.8 percent of children in foster care, despite making up only 7.7 percent of the population. This overrepresentation reflects the urgent need for addressing systemic barriers, promoting culturally appropriate support services, and prioritizing Indigenous self-determination in child welfare policies and practices. Read more about the Cowesses First Nation becoming the first to control its child welfare system in July 2021, https://globalnews.ca/news/8005532/cowessess-first-nation-child-welfare-law/

The purpose of Indigenous History Month is to acknowledge this history, celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples, and create opportunities for non-Indigenous Canadians to learn about and engage with Indigenous culture. Indigenous consultants in BC, such as Elaine Alec https://www.naqsmist.com/ and Len Pierre https://www.lenpierreconsulting.com/ and offer online and in-person workshops, free YouTube videos, and slides on transformative storytelling and cultural safety.

A good place to start is Len’s 3-minute video about 5 Things You Need to Know About Truth and Reconciliation https://youtu.be/AtR331kTFG0 or if you have more time (1:20) check out Elaine’s Cultivating Safe Spaces https://youtu.be/1TA3x43jrRE

On June 21^st, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canadians can take the challenge to learn more about Indigenous peoples of Canada by educating themselves and actively seeking opportunities for learning. Whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, we all have a role to play in reconciliation. The #Next150 https://next150.indianhorse.ca/ challenge offers 21 tasks issued by community leaders and activists designed to push thinking and understanding of Indigenous issues. By participating, sharing knowledge, supporting Indigenous initiatives, and amplifying Indigenous voices, Canadians can contribute to a safer, more prosperous, and more understanding country.

Throughout the month of June, there are numerous events and activities taking place across BC and Canada, including festivals, Pow Wows, art exhibitions, film screenings, markets, and educational workshops. The Aboriginal People’s Television Station (APTN) brings people together with a live-streaming a June 21^st celebration of cultural and musical performances, including achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples across Turtle Island.

Here’s a link https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/turtle-island-wheres-that you can review with your children to learn more about why Canada is referred to as Turtle Island and a link to the press release for the 2023 Indigenous Day Live, themed “Celebrating Our Youth” https://www.aptn.ca/save-the-date-mark-your-calendars-aptn-indigenous-day-live-idl-returns-in-full-force-for-2023/

These events serve as a platform for Indigenous peoples to share their rich culture and history while offering non-Indigenous Canadians a chance to learn and engage in important conversations. Let us seize this opportunity to learn, listen, and collectively strive for a better future that embraces understanding and unity for everyone.