The NABC Community Newsletter is a weekly look into the resources and events of interest to our communities. Vibrant Black communities are cultivated through knowledge sharing and a commitment to long-term learning.



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Amnesty International Canada Calls for Black Representation on Federal Council on Equality and Inclusion

Amnesty International Canada, alongside the Hon. Jean Augustine and other Black community leaders, called on Thursday for the Government of Canada to reinforce the newly created Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion by guaranteeing meaningful Black representation and giving it a clear mandate to confront anti-Black racism.

The appeal follows the federal government’s announcement earlier this week of the Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion, a new body designed to advise on issues related to rights, equality, inclusion, racism, and hate.

Read more here

What Canadians Need to Know About a 'Technical Recession'

U.S. President Donald Trump quickly responded to news that Canada had slipped into a technical recession, sharing a Bloomberg News article on social media Monday alongside the remark “51st state!”

The comment was widely interpreted as another reference to his recurring suggestion that Canada could be absorbed into the United States, implying it would perform better economically under U.S. governance.

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Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre Breaks Ground on Future Home of Canada's Largest Black Cultural Centre

The Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) has officially begun redevelopment work on its future headquarters, which will transform the former École des beaux-arts de Montréal site.

The project centres on adapting and reusing the existing building, along with adding two complementary extensions. The main structure will be redesigned to include a mix of cultural and administrative spaces such as a museum, exhibition areas, reading rooms, community spaces, a recording studio, and a bookstore. A new 200-seat auditorium will also be part of the development.

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Winfield Longe Helped Chart a New Course for Black Mariners in Canada

When Winfield Longe steered massive vessels through the narrow passages of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the stakes were enormous. Thousands of tonnes of cargo, multimillion-dollar ships, and the safety of entire crews rested on his decisions.

But among the milestones of his more than 40-year maritime career, one stands out above the rest.

It was the day his father came aboard a ship he was commanding

.

From the bridge, Eric Longe watched as his son calmly directed officers and crew while the vessel made its way through the locks.

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Carney Says More Work to do on U.S. Trade Talks After Negotiators Return from Washington

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada’s negotiating team made some headway during trade discussions in Washington this week, but noted that significant work remains before a comprehensive agreement can be reached.

His comments on Thursday followed a more than two-hour briefing by Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, to a special advisory council regarding their recent meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

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Canadian Medical Association's First Black President Brings N.L. Resilience to Role

A dermatologist from St. John’s has made history as the first Black president of the Canadian Medical Association.

Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi officially took on the role Friday during the association’s annual general meeting in Ottawa. At 39, he is also one of the youngest leaders in the organization’s history since its founding in 1867.

Ogunyemi said he is proud to serve as an example for people of all backgrounds and generations, encouraging them to bring their authentic selves and pursue leadership opportunities.

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Alberta Separatists Claim Independence Means Holding Onto Canadian Passport. We Asked Legal Experts

As Alberta prepares for its Oct. 19 referendum on whether to begin the legal process of separating from Canada, questions continue to surface about what such a move would mean in practice, including the status of citizenship.

While some advocates of separation argue that Albertans would retain their Canadian passports in an independent Alberta, constitutional law experts caution that citizenship arrangements would be far from automatic and would depend on complex legal and political negotiations.

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Canadian Economy Adds 88,000 Jobs in May Helping Offset Job Losses so Far This Year

Digital nomads looking to enter Canada under a commonly used work-permit exemption will now face tighter scrutiny under newly updated rules.

The changes are outlined in revised guidance for immigration officers titled “Temporary residents: Digital nomads,” published on the immigration department’s website on May 26, 2026.

Previously, officers were instructed that digital nomads did not need to provide additional documentation beyond what is required of standard visitors.

Read more here

Prime Minster Carney Launches AI for All: Canada's New National Artificial Intelligence Strategy

On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled AI for All, Canada’s new national artificial intelligence strategy. The five-year plan includes a series of legislative measures, investments, and programs aimed at promoting the responsible adoption of AI across the country. The strategy is designed to strengthen public trust, expand economic opportunities, and support Canada’s technological sovereignty.

AI for All aims to generate an additional $200 billion in economic growth and create 250,000 new AI-related jobs over the next five years. It also seeks to increase AI adoption among Canadian businesses from just over 12 per cent today to 60 per cent by 2034. As part of the initiative, up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placement opportunities will be made available to young Canadians, while helping Canadian industries remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.

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Premier Says No to Massive AI Data Centre Proposed for South of Winnipeg

A proposed artificial intelligence data centre planned for a 141-hectare parcel of farmland south of Winnipeg will not proceed, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has confirmed.

“We’ve taken a look at this project. We’ve taken a look at AI more broadly, what’s happening across North America, and these hyperscale data centres don’t appear to be in the best interests of Manitobans,” he told CBC Manitoba Information Radio host Marcy Markusa on Thursday.

“So we’re going to say no to this data centre.”

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Chief Vows First Nations Will 'Look at All Avenues' in Fight Against Alberta Separatist Referendum

A First Nations chief is urging Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to cancel this fall’s referendum question on separation unless Indigenous groups are formally consulted.

Trevor Mercredi, grand chief of the Treaty 8 First Nations, said Smith’s remarks suggesting the province can bypass its duty to consult have put Alberta “on a path toward direct constitutional conflict” with Treaty 8 nations.

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Deputy Grand Chief Addresses Failure of Former Inquests to Yield Change at Thunder Bay Jail

Anna Betty Achneepineskum said she has given testimony at several coroner’s inquests in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and has seen numerous recommendations aimed at preventing deaths at the Thunder Bay Jail.

She told a Tuesday hearing that she hopes she will not have to return again due to another death of a man, woman, or child.

The deputy grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) shared the remarks during the proceedings.

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An Unfinished Reckoning with Police Violence: Community Data Shows Ongoing Systemic Racism

Nearly six years have passed since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis ignited a global reckoning over anti-Black police violence and the disproportionate use of force against Black and Indigenous communities.

In Canada, the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet around the same time, after she fell from a Toronto apartment balcony while police were at the scene, also sparked widespread public concern and calls for accountability.

However, incidents of police violence, including shootings and use-of-force cases that have resulted in serious injuries or deaths, have been a longstanding issue in Canada, with particular attention drawn to the problem during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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Laidlaw Black Youth Fund (Ontario)

The Black Youth Fund (BYF), as outlined in our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, is shaped by insights from Unfunded: Black Communities Overlooked by Canadian Philanthropy and the Ontario Nonprofit Network 2024 State of the Sector policy report, Built on Hope: Nonprofit Sector Seeking Stability.

BYF provides operating and project-based grants to Black-led initiatives across Ontario. Organizations may apply for up to $100,000 in funding for a one-time project. With a total funding pool of $1 million, the Black Youth Fund will support 10 groups through this initiative.

Learn more here

Deadline for application

Applications closes on June 29, 2026

Canada Media Fund - Program for Black and Racialized Communities (National)

Supports Black and racialized creators in film, television, and digital media production. Available for Black-owned and controlled production companies

Learn more here

Applications open on September 15, 2026

Deadline for application

Applications close on December 8, 2026

Community Grant Program (Saskatchewan)

This grant supports Saskatchewan-based organizations delivering projects that improve community wellbeing and quality of life. Funding is available for initiatives focused on children and youth development, mental health, inclusion, cultural connection, and strengthening local nonprofit capacity. Grants can provide up to $35,000 for local projects and $50,000 for provincial initiative.

Learn more here

Deadline for application

Application closes on October 1, 2026

Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Project-Based (Alberta)

The Community Initiatives Program (CIP), Project-Based grant stream supports projects that enhance and enrich communities throughout Alberta by helping non-profit organizations with new programs, enhancements to an existing program, community events, gender equity projects, 2SLGBTQQIA+ events and new programs, technology and portable equipment.



Learn more here

Deadline for application

Applications close on September 15, 2026

Micro-grants for Black and Indigenous Youth (BC)

Micro-grants for Black and Indigenous youth-led community projects in British Columbia. Current deadline: May 31, 2026. Priority ages: 18–30. Flexible funding for grassroots healing and community-building initiatives.

Learn more here

Deadline for application

Applications close on May 31, 2026

Hamilton Black Women's Health Symposium

The Hamilton Black Women’s Health Symposium is a half-day event focused on advocacy, wellness, and empowerment. It brings together Black women in the community for expert talks, workshops, and discussions centered on their unique health needs. The symposium offers a space to connect, share experiences, learn, and feel inspired.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026

Register here

Juneteenth Festival Freedom Opening Ceremony

This is a powerful and inspiring event that brings people together to honour history, celebrate culture, and reflect on the future.The event will also feature the launch of the Black Heritage Reclaimed school curriculum, along with an augmented reality video game designed to bring history and storytelling to life in an interactive and engaging way.

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026

Register here

BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner

The BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (BCOHRC) works to address the root causes of inequality, discrimination, and injustice across British Columbia by influencing laws, policies, practices, and cultural norms. The office advances this mandate through education, research, advocacy, inquiries, and monitoring initiatives.

BCOHRC is hiring for the following position:

• Research Officer, Generalist (Full-Time)

If you require any accommodations during the hiring process, please contact recruitment@bchumanrights.ca

Deadline for application

The deadline for applications is Monday, June 15, 2026.

Stella's Place

Stella’s Place is an innovative mental health organization dedicated to supporting young adults aged 16 to 29. Having established the foundation and infrastructure for a modern, engaging approach to mental health care, the organization is now in a pivotal phase of growth. Through services offered at Stella’s Place, online, and in partnership with organizations across Toronto, it is expanding its reach, demonstrating meaningful outcomes, and making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

Stella's Place is hiring for the following position:

• Director, People & Culture (Full-Time)

If you require any accommodations during the hiring process, please contact connect@stellasplace.ca

Deadline for application

The deadline for applications on Friday, June 26, 2026.