Research

The Black population in Canada is 1.2 million people, representing 3.5 % of the total Canadian population, but only 1.7% of federal MPs are Black Canadians. As governments at all levels commit to more inclusiveness, it is important to identify and address the barriers that Black Canadians face in electoral politics, whether in federal or provincial legislatures or on municipal councils and school boards. Our research addresses these questions through the first comprehensive study of Black Canadians’ participation and inclusion in elected office.

In 2023, we launched the most comprehensive survey of Black Canadians who have run for or served in elected office in Canada. In Fall 2023, we began interviewing dozens of Black candidates to hear more about their experiences. With funds from a SSHRC Connection Grant, we will share these stories through our website and a documentary podcast, which we plan to release in 2024.

If you have any questions or would like to participate in this research, please drop us a line at [email protected].

This research has received ethics clearance from the Carleton University Research Ethics Board (protocol #117425).