Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP)
Sankofa Bird: “Feet forward, head turned backward, the Sankofa bird reflects on the past to build a successful future.”
Medicine Wheel: “In recognition of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples, our sacred medicine wheel and sweet-grass pulling us together.
Praise for the program:
“The facilitators did a great job in explaining how to be a voice in dismantling systemic racism.”
“I started to understand how systems look through the perspective of a racialized persons.
“The workbook is excellent. The invitational approach was top-notch. The language and strategies were specific and ensured practical follow through rather than vague ideas that have no next steps.”
I’ve taken many a course, but none have been as profound, impactful and, in fact, life-altering. Not just as a steward/mobilizer, but also as a human being of white privilege.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect from the course, but I am glad I attended though. My interest in moving forward is creating a brave space for my colleagues.”
Goals of the Program
The overall goal of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP) is to ensure that members throughout all levels of the organization are equipped with the necessary tools to disrupt and dismantle racism whenever it happens. It is working together as a collective that will ensure that real, tangible change happens.
The Why
A union’s purpose is negotiating decent work terms and conditions for all members, and to fight for social changes that benefit all workers.
There is a sad story of unions deliberately excluding Black, Indigenous and Racialized workers, which mirrors the colonial history of Canada.
Taking Action Through Bargaining
Dismantling anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, and all forms of racism (PDF)
Schedule
Starting in June 2025, the one-day OPSEU/SEFPO’s constitution mandatory training session, “Organizing for Power: Dismantling Anti-Black, Anti-Indigenous, and All Forms of Racism” (DSR training), will be offered in each region. For all OPSEU/SEFPO Elected Leaders including Stewards, Bargaining Team Members, Divex members, Health & Safety Representatives, etc.
These sessions are intended for all locally elected officials who have not yet received DSR training.
If you are a leader in OPSEU/SEFPO who has not yet taken the DSR training, please Save the Date in your region and look out for the regional call outs coming soon from your region office.
Region 1
- London – Sept 15, 2026, Jan 19, 2027, and June 15, 2027
- Windsor – Nov 19, 2026
- Chatham – Mar 2, 2027
Region 2
- Niagara – Sept 16, 2026, Mar 16, 2027, Sept 12, 2027
- Guelph – Nov 20, 2026, June 17, 2027
- Coopers – Jan 21, 2027
- Unifor Centre, May 29 and June 26, 2026
Region 3
- Orillia – Sept 22, 2026, Jan 13, 2027
- Oshawa – Mar 4, 2027, Oct 10, 2027
- Peterborough – Nov 24, 2026, June 22, 2027
Region 4
- Ottawa (in French)- Oct 28, 2026
- Brockville – Mar 9, 2027
- Ottawa – Sept 24, 2026, Jan 22, 2027, Oct 24, 2027
- Kingston – Nov 26, 2026, June 24, 2027
Region 5
- Wellesley – Sept 17, 2026
- Head office – Nov 5, 2026, Jan 26, 2027, Mar 3, 2027, June 9, 2027, Nov 21, 2027
Region 6
- Sudbury – Mar 23, 2027
- Sault Ste Marie – Nov 4, 2026, Oct 17, 2027
- Timmins – Sept 23, 2026
- North Bay – May 29, 2026, Jan 28, 2027, June 1, 2027
Region 7
- Thunder Bay – June 4, 2026, Sept 26, 2026, Jan 19, 2027, Mar 12, 2027, Sept 26, 2027
- Kenora/Dryden – Nov 6, 2026, June 17, 2027
Interested in booking a session?
If you’d like to book an alternate session, contact your staff rep or fill out the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to complete this training?
In 2022, OPSEU/SEFPO passed amendments to OPSEU/SEFPO’s Constitution to actively dismantle systemic racism within all its structures. Article 4 (Aims and Purposes) states the purpose is: To actively identify and dismantle anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, and all forms of racism and discrimination within its systems and structures so that all members have full access to services and can fully participate in the Union
Who needs to complete the training?
All elected leaders within OPSEU/SEFPO. This includes Executive Board Members, local executive committees (which includes stewards, health and safety reps, etc.), Sector, Division, MERC leaders, equity committee/caucus representatives, etc
What are the timelines to complete this training?
As per Article 7.1 of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Constitution, elected leaders should complete the training within 60 days of their election. Members should contact their OPSEU/SEFPO Staff Representative or other assigned OPSEU/SEFPO staff to book the training.
Are members booked off to attend the training?
Yes. Members can be booked off with applicable costs (i.e. time off) covered centrally via the Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP) budget.
Where should we hold the training?
In a location suitable for the participants – ideally at an OPSEU/SEFPO office (Regional Office, Membership Centre, Head Office, etc.)
How many elected members should attend?
Minimum of 10 participants and maximum of 25 participants (more than one local can be trained at the same time.
If there are more than 25 members, please contact [email protected] for additional assistance.
Is lunch provided?
We encourage the training facilitators to make the necessary arrangements where possible and expenses will be covered where applicable. We also encourage a diverse food option from local establishments.
What should be done after we complete the training?
Start strategizing with your fellow elected leaders, reach out to members in your local. Refer back to the strategies you developed during the training and find ways to get more members involved. Reach out to staff representatives or the DSRP program at [email protected].
What happens if I don’t complete the training?
This mandatory training as stipulated in the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution. The training is available across all regions. The goal is for each elected member to actively participate in dismantling systemic racism in each and every local, sector, and division of the union.
What if I missed the training date?
Contact your staff rep to join a booked session in your region but also look out for regional DSR call outs.
Why don’t we talk about all other forms of racism during the training?
Dismantling all forms of racism is important. In 2004, Workers of Color Caucus (now called Coalition of Racialized Workers) initiated the “The Living Wall” at Convention to show how few racialized workers were there. The numbers significantly decreased during election years. In 2022, the Executive Board submitted a constitutional amendment that passed by two thirds majority, which now requires mandatory dismantling anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, and all forms of racism training for all elected leaders. We recognize that many OPSEU/SEFPO members encounter racism in their daily lives. The course is a one-day course, and the focus is on organizing for power. Learning on dismantling systemic racism for Black and Indigenous members will facilitate in dismantling all forms of racism for all members in the union.
Where can I get more information after the course?
More information on our website
https://opseu.org/dismantling-systemic-racism-program-dsrp/
Can non-elected members take this course?
This course is currently only offered to elected OPSEU/SEFPO members in accordance with the constitutional mandate.
Resources
Hon. Murray Sinclair at the Canadian Heritage Committee
Hon. Murray Sinclair at the Canadian Heritage Committee – openparliament.ca
France Takes $500 Billion Yearly From Africa Says Boris Kodjoe | One54 Africa Podcast
[Video] – https://youtu.be/qUf8M54LxIE
Native Land
Native Land is an app to help map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages.
https://native-land.ca/
The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
The National Association of Friendship Centres is a network of over 100 Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations, which make up part of the Friendship Centre Movement–Canada’s most significant national network of self-determined Indigenous owned and operated civil society community hubs offering programs, services and supports to urban Indigenous people.
https://nafc.ca/home
Land Acknowledgment: Fife House Commitment to Solidarity and Action
The following Commitment to Indigenous Solidarity and Action was first put together by the Truth & Reconciliation Committee at Fife House in 2021, and revised by the committee in 2023 in consultation with Elders, partners and members of the Indigenous community in Toronto. Fife House gratefully acknowledges and thanks all the various staff members, residents and clients, partners and community members that kindly provided their input, feedback and guidance. The statement is a living document, and expresses Fife House’s intent to engage in continuous reflection, learning, and work in solidary with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and communities.
Fife House acknowledges this land on which we work and live.
For thousands of years, T’karonto, now commonly known by its settler name, Toronto, has been the traditional land of many Indigenous Nations, including the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, the Chippewa, the Anishnaabeg, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This land is governed by the Dish with One Spoon Covenant between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Confederacy of Ojibway and Allied Nations. This covenant is an agreement to share, work and protect this land together in harmony.
More recently, T’karonto became part of Treaty 13, as well as the Williams Treaties, between several Indigenous Nations and the Crown. These Treaties acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples who have been here since time immemorial, and commit all who come after to shared stewardship of these lands. As a result, we are all Treaty People. We must acknowledge, however, that these Treaties and other agreements with Indigenous Nations have been repeatedly disregarded by colonial governments and courts.
Today, T’karonto is still the home to many Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island.
It is also home to many Peoples from all across the globe – those born here, those whose ancestors who were brought to these shores by force, and those who arrived more recently. We are all grateful to have the opportunity to work and live on this land, and we stand in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples against all forms of oppression.
As an AIDS/HIV service organization, Fife House acknowledges the disproportionate effects of HIV and AIDS within Indigenous communities, particularly in urban centres such as T’karonto. Fife House also recognizes the effects of historical and ongoing injustices and racism against First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, such as Residential Schools, the 60’s Scoop, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Transgender and 2-Spirit Persons, and the disproportionate number of Indigenous Individuals within the legal and child welfare systems, to name but a few.
Fife House recognizes that we must challenge systems that continue to subjugate and cause destruction upon the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island. We also pledge to work with the Peoples of all Four Directions in a manner that honours the principles of the Two-Row Wampum, and the values described within the Seven Grandparent/Grandfather Teachings.
Fife House commits to the necessary work of putting Truth and Reconciliation into Action.
Horne v. Public Service Alliance of Canada, 2024 HRTO 1788 (CanLII)
Case on the repeatedly historic and continuing under-representation of women in the workforce and the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women – 2024 HRTO 1788 (CanLII) | Horne v. Public Service Alliance of Canada | CanLII
Supporting Training information Links
Racial Slurs Not “Shoptalk”: Termination Upheld of Employee with 23 Years’ Service for Racist Insults in the Workplace
OHRC Racial discrimination, race and racism (fact sheet)
https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/racial-discrimination-race-and-racism-fact-sheet
CTV News: Montreal women ask why only Black hair products deemed ‘non-essential’ in drugstore
OPSEU/SEFPO is dedicated to fighting against systemic racism, offering support to its staff and members, and providing education on how to create a fair, inclusive, anti-racist environment.