The Black Caucus fails to protect Black Business Owners and their Families
As the government of Canada implements economic aid packages to both citizens and businesses during the Covid-19 epidemic. The Canadian Caucus of Black Parliamentarians- the Black Caucus, a group of Black elected officials from across the country- held a conference call to address the needs and concerns of Black Canadians- or were they?
Our team, along with other Black organizations, was invited on a conference call Thursday night, with the Minister of Immigration Ahmed Hussen and Black Caucus President Greg Fergus Liberal MP.
“This conference call is to make sure the black community will be informed to the government’s response fulfilling a promise of having for small businesses and families.”
Kevin McHarg constituency assistant to Fergus.”
However, the conference call was anything but informative, nor did little to specify what the government will do for Black business owners and their families. After a 20 plus minute delay due to technical issues, and lack of organization, they allowed participants to ask questions.
Our team reminded the government of the precarious conditions of Black Canadians, including the high unemployment, child poverty rates, the lack of Black companies having access to capital and government contracts. Therefore, we asked, “Is there anything specific for the Black community with the $82 Billion Aid Package”? The Minister replied, “What we are doing is for all Canadians.”
“What we are doing is for all Canadians.”
Minister of Immigration Ahmed Hussen
We again reminded the Black Caucus that Black communities in Canada face an economic Covid-19 pandemic daily, as in some cities, Blacks are restricted from using their land as collateral for business loans, among other discriminatory practices by government and lending institutions. Our team asked if the Black Caucus have corresponded with banks to ensure that Black business owners have access to the billions in the liquidity market. We did not receive a response due to technical issues with their conference call. They asked us to send our questions via email, but they have yet to reply.
It is vital to understand that in every crisis, there is an opportunity—the broader business community is using this crisis as a means to shore up their financial interests. Oil and gas sectors who have made billions while the price of crude was high are given billions more to offset low production. Airlines that have for years made record profits are being subsidized due to border closures. Banks, that since their inception in Canada denied Blacks from borrowing, are receiving billions to stay liquid to lend money to White businesses. All while the Black community is holding out hope for a $450 weekly check.
What it means to Black Canadians
We have always told you that racism is economic, and the Covid-19 Aid Package is racism in its purest form- being weaponized against the Black community economically. If you don’t believe us, consider this; as it stands, the financial viability of the Black community is practically non-existent. Since the federal government plans to give hundreds of billions more to fight the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus, it will go exclusively to White-owned banks, sectors and institutions. With that money, they will further invest in White and non-Black business that will use those funds to gentrify us further and economically deprive the Black community.
This is all happening under the supervision of the Black Caucus. They have made no effort to ensure the Black community has a stake in the economic stimulus that is flowing from the government. We need to ask ourselves why the Black Caucus is holding conference calls with Black groups across the country if they then say they are for “all Canadians.” We have to ask ourselves if there is even a need for a Black Caucus if they won’t look after the same community that holds their name. If the Black Caucus is the main body to lobby on our behalf and advocate for the Black community to get tangibles out of the Aid Package. Then we are in serious trouble, and the Coronavirus is the least of our worries.