The African Canadian Senate Group, formed by seven senators, will ensure that Black voices are heard in the upper chamber.

New group of African Canadian senators created to amplify Black voices. Senator Rosemary Moodie chairs the coalition, which also includes Senators Bernadette Clement, Amina Gerba, Mobina Jaffer, Marie-Francoise Megie, and Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia.

In a statement issued Thursday, the group stated that it is committed to combating racism and discrimination, as well as engaging with Canadians and advocating for their priorities. According to Jaffer, it is critical for African Canadian senators to have this space, in an institution that has a history of not always taking into account the unique needs, and lived experiences of Black people in Canada.

According to Moodie, democratic institutions have ignored their “voices, contributions, and priorities”, and the group is dedicated to reversing this trend. Priorities for Canada’s 44th Parliament will include, pursuing a “more inclusive committee process” in the Senate, and collaborating with community members to make progress on issues of “justice, health, and economic fairness.”