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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.