Thousands of people recently engaged in a peaceful sit-in protest outside Toronto Police headquarters. The June 19 Abolish the Police protest was organized by Not Another Black Life following the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, who fell 24 stories from her apartment building after her mother phoned for police assistance.
Protests have sprung up across North America. For many, the call to action was the police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man in Minneapolis. In Toronto, the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet sparked anti-black and anti-Indigenous racism rallies and a movement to defund the Toronto Police’s budget of $1.1 billion—funds that protestors would like to see allocated toward targeted communities.
Organizations across industries are showing their solidarity. Joining the chorus, Restaurants Canada has issued a statement pledging its commitment to anti-racism within the foodservice and hospitality industry.
Black and Indigenous Canadians contribute to every industry. Now is the time to reflect on how systemic racism creates barriers to equality within our own workspaces—and to promote diversity and inclusion however we can. Here’s our rundown of how the industry has responded to recent events, and what you can do to show your support.
How the Industry Is Responding
Restaurants Canada is among the list of organizations that have taken a stand. Their objective is to provide foodservice operators across Canada with the necessary materials to create diverse and inclusive workplaces.
The not-for-profit association is encouraging restaurant owners to hire BIPOC, and plans on hosting educational sessions to promote awareness and instill best practices. They acknowledge that the industry has work to do and that, through raising the bar, Canada can set an example for the rest of the world to follow.
Restaurants Canada has posted a list of resources for foodservice operators and workers, including How to Create a Positive and Inclusive Workplace. The in-depth guide is the product of a partnership between Restaurants Canada, Centennial College, and The Centre for Global Citizenship, Education & Inclusion (GCEI). The guide covers topics such as:
- How to support inclusion in the workplace
- Best practices for hiring a diverse workforce
- Racial, cultural, and gender diversity
- Supporting mental health
- What to do in cases of sexual harassment
- How to handle sick leave and parental leave
Restaurants Canada also advises restaurant workers to seek out the Canadian Human Rights Commission if they feel that they are being discriminated against based on grounds such as race, sex, religion, or disability.
Ways to Show Your Support
In the wake of recent demonstrations, Canadians have taken to the streets and social media to show their support. Another way to take a stand is to support black business owners. Plus, finding local black-owned restaurants and businesses has never been easier with the help of the following resources:
- A comprehensive directory of black-owned businesses and black entrepreneurs across Canada’s major cities. Don’t see your business? Add yourself to the list here.
- Black-owned businesses in the GTA. If you live in Toronto, this list contains black-owned restaurants that are open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Blackowned Toronto. This Instagram page promotes black-owned businesses—including everything from food to legal services—in Toronto and surrounding areas.
Restaurants Canada also highlights Black Lives Matter, an international organization whose mission is to promote equality and diversity, for Canadians who wish to donate their money or volunteer their time.
Are you interested in learning more about how recent demonstrations have sparked reform in Canada’s restaurant industry? Get in touch with the team at CHI Real Estate by calling 647-347-9723.
