Montreal to overhaul complaint process amid racism allegations from workers
The City of Montreal says it's overhauling its complaint process to make it easier for those experiencing racism and discrimination at work.
It also plans to create a committee to accompany victims through the process.
"We believe them, we have heard them, we have seen them. And we think that they deserve justice and that's what we're going to do, the fastest that we can," said Montreal executive committee chairperson Dominique Ollivier on Tuesday.
The city says the fastest it can be done is this summer.
That's a problem for those suffering right now, says union representative Gino Clyford Luberisse.
"What are you telling the people who have to go back to work, who have to be in the same environment with the same employees that work there but didn't say nothing? What do you tell them?" he said.
Earlier in March, Le Devoir reported 30 city workers, including firefighters and police officers, said they experienced racism on the job.
For weeks following the report, the opposition has demanded an independent investigation into the issue, and Tuesday was no exception.
"What we read in Le Devoir is just the tip of the iceberg. You know why? Because a lot of people decide to not put a complaint because they don't trust the process," said Abdelhaq Sari, the opposition's critic for the fight against racism.
The city maintains action is needed, not another investigation.
"Give us a chance to implement that plan before throwing it out," said Ollivier.
The Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) is optimistic about the city's plans.
"It's about how to be a good employer and how to set an example being a public administration with tax payers dollars," said Fo Niemi, CRARR's executive director, who has helped employees file a complaint.
"The city has to make sure it lives up to its commitment and responsibility to be an inclusive and equitable administration," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.