What does the data actually say about the Black experience in the workplace? We need to actively work to close these gaps.👇

→ The Unemployment and Underemployment Gap: The unemployment rate for Black Canadians is nearly double the national average. Even with university degrees, Black graduates are twice as likely as their peers to be overqualified for their roles, working in jobs that only require a high school diploma.

→ The Education-to-Income Disparity: Education does not bridge the wage gap; Black individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn a median income of $50,000, compared to $70,000 for non-racialized individuals with the same credentials. Overall, Black workers earn approximately $0.76 for every dollar earned by non-racialized workers.

→ Occupational Segregation and Leadership Barriers: Black Canadians are underrepresented in high-growth STEM fields and management, while being concentrated in lower-paying healthcare, manufacturing, and service roles. This is exacerbated by “streaming” in the education system.

→ Systemic Network Exclusion: With 85% of jobs filled through informal networks, Black job seekers face a “network gap.” A lack of access to mentorship and high-level professional circles, combined with race-based discrimination at work, significantly limits upward mobility.