TORONTO — The Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) says it is appalled another noose was found on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT jobsite in Toronto, a project that is subject to a community benefits agreement.
While the TCBN applauds the efforts the industry has taken when it comes to diversity and inclusivity initiatives, more needs to be done, it says.
“These types of incidents, which are motivated by hate, serves as a disgraceful reminder that Black, Indigenous and other racialized people are…discriminated against on jobsites because of their ethnicity and colour,” states the release.
Following several incidents that occurred in the summer, fall as well as earlier this month, several developers, construction unions and industry associations denounced the nooses and took steps towards addressing systemic racism in the workplaces by developing internal policies, hosting townhalls and mandating anti-racism training for supervisors and members.
The TCBN board of directors endorsed the Declaration for Inclusive Workplaces as it is in line with its recommendations for Dismantling Systemic and Anti-Black Racism in Construction.
The network works with unions, employers and governments to ensure historically disadvantaged communities and equity seeking groups get access to jobs and economic opportunities created from investment in major infrastructure and urban development projects.
“It is vital that these incidents are strenuously addressed. At the same time, reacting to them must be accompanied by proactive and preventative measures,” said Rosemarie Powell, executive director of the TCBN, in a statement. “One of the best deterrents will be for the industry to accelerate actions that will increase the diversity of their workforce.”
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