Restaurants Canada commits to inclusion and anti-racism in Canadian food service

Toronto – The foodservice and hospitality industry is made up of many Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and new Canadians, who all contribute to our industry, and it could not function without their input and work.

But the belief that there is no racism, discrimination and hatred within our industry is in itself a barrier to addressing it. Now is the time for all of us to come together, to listen, learn and reflect on how systemic racism contributes to injustice and inequality.

Going forward, our organization is committed to voicing the importance of an inclusive and diverse workplace in kitchens and foodservice businesses.

Our objective is to inform and provide materials to foodservice operators across Canada that encourage hiring BIPOC, as well as education that promotes inclusive workplaces that foster anti-racism. Additionally, we’re taking a look at how we produce content through MENU Mag, with a renewed focus on working with more BIPOC writers, and telling the stories of BIPOC members of our industry to explore the systems that keep racism present in hospitality and food service.

In the short term, we are working to bring educational sessions that will speak to not just the importance of inclusivity in foodservice, but how we can all work together to create a better future.

This is a start, but by no means the end.

We stand together with all people of colour, but we as an industry all have work to do. Together we can raise the bar for foodservice workplaces in Canada and set an example for the rest of the world.

We are listening. If you have suggestions, resources, or feedback on actions that may make a difference, please send us an email at diversity@restaurantscanada.org. Here is a list of resources for strengthening diversity and inclusion in the workplace and different ways you can support the #BlackLivesMatter movement.