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From city halls to Parliament Hill, Black politicians in Canada are playing an increasingly visible and influential role in shaping public policy, advancing equity and redefining political leadership in the country. Their growing presence across federal, provincial and municipal levels signals a broader shift toward inclusive governance and long-overdue representation.
In 2021, Greg Fergus, a longtime Liberal MP from Quebec, was elected as the first Black Speaker of the House of Commons, making history in one of the highest-ranking Canadian parliamentary positions. Known for his commitment to diversity and youth engagement, Fergus’s appointment was seen as a landmark moment in Canada’s political evolution.
At the provincial level, Mitzie Hunter, the former MPP for Scarborough, Guildwood and a candidate in the 2023 Toronto mayoral election, has been a prominent advocate for education, equity and community development. Her work in the Ontario Liberal cabinet reflects a strong commitment to marginalized communities and systemic reform.
Another trailblazer, Kaycee Madu, became Alberta’s first Black cabinet minister in 2019, serving as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. His appointment marked a significant milestone for Black political representation in Western Canada.
Voices of Change at the Federal Level
In Parliament, Black MPs such as Ahmed Hussen, Arielle Kayabaga and Marci Ien continue to bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to national debates.
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development and a former Minister of Immigration has championed immigration reform, refugee protection and housing initiatives, according to the Government of Canada.
Arielle Kayabaga, elected in 2021 as MP for London West, is the first Black woman to represent a federal riding in southwestern Ontario. A former city councillor and a refugee from Burundi, Kayabaga has focused on housing affordability and anti-racism policy.
Marci Ien, representing Toronto Centre, served as Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, bringing a background in journalism and advocacy to her political role. Her work emphasizes gender equity and support for racialized youth.
Municipal Momentum
Municipal politics has also seen the rise of Black leadership, especially in major urban centres. In Ottawa, Rawlson King, elected in 2019, became the city’s first Black councillor. His leadership has focused on anti-racism strategy, housing and police oversight areas where the voices of Black constituents are often most urgent.
While progress has been made, Black politicians still face significant challenges including racism, online harassment and underrepresentation in leadership roles. A 2022 report from the Samara Centre for Democracy noted that racialized politicians, particularly Black women, are disproportionately targeted with hate speech and threats.
Groups like Operation Black Vote Canada and Equal Voice are working to build pipelines for Black leadership by mentoring youth, supporting candidates and advocating for systemic change in political parties.
Black political leadership in Canada is growing, but it remains uneven across regions and parties. Continued efforts to break down barriers, support diverse candidates and ensure that policy reflects the needs of all Canadians are essential.
As more Black Canadians step into political spaces, they are not only changing the face of Canadian politics but also shaping a more inclusive future, one where governance better reflects the people it serves.
