Ottawa, October 13, 2026 - The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) representing more than 3,500 federal lawyers, prosecutors, notaries, clerks and articling students, has secured an important victory in advancing its systemic anti-Black discrimination complaint against the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Public Service Commission. The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) has referred the complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for inquiry. The referral is an important procedural victory.

For Black AJC members who have reported racism and barriers to career advancement, this is a significant step toward accountability. The referral opens the way for a public, independent process to examine reported discrimination in hiring, promotions, discipline and workplace harassment affecting Black members.

Members’ experiences helped make this possible. Responses to the AJC’s membership survey informed the complaint and helped bring the realities of anti-Black racism in federal workplaces before the Commission. Drawing on those experiences, the AJC’s representation team developed detailed legal submissions supported by extensive documentation.

The complaint describes racist comments and workplace harassment, alongside systemic barriers in hiring and promotions. It also raises concerns about disproportionate scrutiny and discipline, biased performance assessments, and unequal access to professional development. These practices can have lasting consequences for members’ health and careers, including their earnings and pensions.

Despite the employer’s arguments that the complaint should be dismissed, the Commission determined, based on the AJC’s submissions, that further inquiry is warranted. In its reasons, the Commission noted that complaints alleging discrimination linked to race, colour, and national or ethnic origin should usually be referred to the Tribunal, recognizing that racism is often subtle and nuanced rather than overt.

The employer has previously challenged similar referrals, and the AJC is prepared for possible legal challenges. We will stay the course in pursuing justice for Black members.

The AJC will keep pressing for accountability and meaningful change, and will update members as the case progresses.

Read more about the AJC’s systemic anti-Black racism complaint.

ABOUT THE AJC

The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is the union defending Canada’s legal team. Our 3,500+ members are Federal Crown Counsel, notaries and articling students employed by the Government of Canada in the Department of Justice, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and in various federal agencies, tribunals and courts across Canada.

MEDIA CONTACT

The Communications Department 
Association of Justice Counsel 
300–2725 Queensview Drive 
Ottawa, ON, Canada 
K2B 0A1

Phone: (613) 798-9900 
Toll-Free: (866) 218-3310 
Fax: (613) 564-0606 
Email: admin@ajc-ajj.ca

-30-