On June 27, we recognize and celebrate Canada’s Multiculturalism Day—an opportunity to honour the cultural diversity that strengthens not only our society, but our labour movement as well. As members of PSAC, we know that the fight for fairness, dignity, and equity must include a commitment to defending and uplifting the voices of all workers, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, language, or cultural background.

Canada was the first country to pass a national multiculturalism law—the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988—affirming the right of individuals to preserve and share their cultural heritage, and mandating the federal government to promote inclusion and equal participation. But these rights are not always realized equally. Racialized workers still face systemic barriers in hiring, career advancement, and workplace representation.

Our union continues to push back against racism and discrimination in all its forms. We do this through our collective agreements, by representing members in grievance processes, and through education and advocacy that center anti-oppression and intersectional equity.

Multiculturalism means more than co-existence—it means recognizing the inherent value that diverse backgrounds bring to the table, and demanding that our workplaces and institutions reflect the communities they serve. It’s about building solidarity across differences, knowing that none of us are free until all of us are included, protected, and empowered.

On this day, let’s recommit to fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces—where everyone’s voice is heard, and where cultural identity is embraced, not erased. Together, we can build a more just and equitable future for all workers.