by Sarah Onyango
Sunday 27 September, 2015
Last Sunday, the Network of Black Business & Professional Women held an event entitled: “Tea & Talk: Black Women in the Political Narrative”, at the Lord Elgin Hotel in downtown Ottawa. Given that the country is currently “in election mode”, NB2PW decided to dedicate its annual marquee event to a dialogue examining the participation of black and minority women in the Canadian political arena, and ways in which their community can support current and potential candidates for political office.
The audience at this well-attended non-partisan event, heard various perspectives from a diverse and well informed panel. Senator Anne Cools, an Ontario Senator representing Toronto-Centre-York, discussed the hotly contested and highly publicized race she ran in the late 1970s in the Toronto-area riding of Rosedale. Ms. Cools mentioned some of the challenges she faced during that campaign (chronicled in an NFB film entitled “The Right Candidate for Rosedale”), and shared her views on becoming the first black female senator in North America. She was summoned to the Senate in January 1984 by His Excellency Governor General Edward Schreyer, on the recommendation of then Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau.
Fred Sherman, the only male on the panel, reflected on his experience working for another trailblazing black female politician, Hon. Jean Augustine. In the 1993 federal election, Ms. Augustine became the first African-Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada, and upon her appointment as Secretary of State (Multiculturalism & Status of Women) in 2002, she became the first Black woman to serve in the federal Cabinet. Mr. Sherman recalled some of the valuable lessons and skills he had gained as a legislative aide on The Hill.
Bernadette Clement, a lawyer who is a current three-term Cornwall city councilor and Liberal candidate in the riding of Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry, emphasized the importance of mastering the nomination process and familiarizing oneself with how political parties work. She highlighted essential elements for a successful election campaign such as effective fundraising and recruitment of volunteers along with a clear vision and commitment to serving the community. Many of her points were echoed by businesswoman and IT professional Lilly Obina, who ran for Ottawa City Council in 2010 and
2014 and took part in the Conservative Party nomination race in 2015. She also highlighted how canvassing for other candidates as a volunteer helps potential candidates learn to communicate effectively with voters and listen to their concerns.
Marie Clarke Walker, a five-term Executive Vice-President with the Canadian Labour Congress, shared highlights from her historic 2002 election to this high-profile union leadership position and explained the challenges faced by racialized women who reach these professional heights. She also decried the lack of training and mentorship available to these women as well as the harshness of election processes.
Marie Clarke Walker, a five-term Executive Vice-President with the Canadian Labour Congress, shared highlights from her historic 2002 election to this high-profile union leadership position and explained the challenges faced by racialized women who reach these professional heights. She also decried the lack of training and mentorship available to these women as well as the harshness of election processes.
The audience also heard from Denise Siele, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations at Equal Voice, an organisation that aims to get more women elected to legislatures across the country. Ms. Siele shared some fascinating statistics about the women running in the current federal election and described some of the tools and programs her organization has created to help women access the democratic process and achieve their political aspirations.
Chelby Daigle, an anti-racism/anti-oppression trainer and Editor-in-Chief of Muslim Link, Ottawa’s on-line Muslim community newspaper, discussed several barriers to the political participation of racialized women and youth in low-income communities.
In closing the proceedings, NB2PW President, Elcho Stewart, expressed the hope that this event would increase civic engagement in the Black community in general and among Black women in particular, and perhaps motivate some of the attendees to consider running for office at all levels of government, as well as become active at the organizer/grass roots level in the future elections.
Originally established in 1995 in Montreal, Quebec, the Network is open to Black women who are self-employed, professionals, or small business owners. It offers an opportunity to share ideas, build friendships and exchange support on primarily a professional, but also on a personal level. Meeting monthly, NB2PW presents its members valuable networking time and informative presentations from a variety of speakers. For more info, visit www.nb2pw.org.
Photo credits: Jennifer Offor
