By Sanjay Campbell, PhD Community Legal Worker at BLAC

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that excluding refugee claimants from subsidized childcare violates equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Court agreed with BLAC in finding that refugee claimants are a historically disadvantaged group. They have experienced considerable historical disadvantage, stereotyping, marginalization and stigmatization in Canadian society.

In its intervention, BLAC focused on the broader impact of this exclusion on Black refugee families, particularly how it creates barriers to work, education, and integration. These impacts are especially felt by women, who are often primary caregivers.

The Court accepted this position, recognizing refugee claimants as “a historically disadvantaged group” who have experienced “considerable historical disadvantage, stereotyping, marginalization and stigmatization in Canadian society.”

As a remedy, the Court ordered that refugee claimants be included in the program. This decision affirms that access to essential supports like childcare must be provided in a way that respects equality rights.

By Michaela  James-Williams, Law Student at BLAC

The Ontario government is introducing significant changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), including lifting the tuition freeze and shifting how financial aid is distributed. Students can receive a maximum of 85 per cent as grants; which do not have to be repaid and a minimum of 15 per cent as loans that need to be paid back. However, beginning in Fall 2026, funding for eligible students in the new school year will be reduced to a maximum of 25 per cent for grants, with funding for loans increased to a minimum of 75 per cent, the province is also allowing tuition to rise by two per cent a year.

These changes are expected to increase financial pressure on students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. In 2016 Twenty-seven percent of Black children were living in a low-income situation, compared to 14% of children in the rest of the population. Systemic racism is often caused by hidden institutional biases in policies, practices, and processes that privilege or disadvantage certain groups of people. Although a majority (94%) of Black youth express a desire to obtain a university degree, they are proportionally less likely to believe they will do so.

By Sanjay Campbell, PhD Community Legal Worker at BLAC

Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) has endorsed a new report from Western University Faculty of Law examining more than 600 cases across Ontario, which reveals alarming rates of police violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The report, Unlawful Enforcers, documents issues such as unlawful searches and delays in access to legal counsel. These violations often result in evidence being excluded, which can lead to charges being dropped or reduced, even in serious cases.

It also raises broader systemic concerns, including racial profiling and the disproportionate impact on Black individuals.

BLAC’s endorsement underscores the urgent need for stronger accountability, improved oversight, and meaningful safeguards to ensure Charter rights are upheld and public trust in the justice system is maintained.

Read Full Report  

By Sanjay Campbell, PhD Community Legal Worker at BLAC

The Government of Canada has announced that the federal minimum wage will increase to $18.15 per hour starting April 1, 2026.

This wage applies to workers in federally regulated sectors, such as banking, telecommunications, and interprovincial transportation. The increase reflects a continued effort to adjust wages in line with inflation and maintain a baseline for fair pay.

While this change may provide some relief for workers in low-wage jobs, concerns around affordability and cost of living remain, particularly for marginalized communities who continue to face systemic barriers to stable and well-paying employment.

The increase is part of broader federal efforts to address rising living costs and economic insecurity.

By Sanjay Campbell, PhD Community Legal Worker at BLAC

Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) has been granted permission to take part in a case before the Supreme Court of Canada: R v Burke-Whittaker.

The case raises important questions about sentencing and when individuals may be sent back to prison following an appeal.

BLAC is one of several organizations granted leave to intervene by the Court.

In its intervention, BLAC will highlight the importance of considering the broader social and systemic realities people face. For Black individuals, this includes the impact of anti-Black racism and how it shapes experiences within the justice system. BLAC will also raise concerns about the impact of returning individuals to custody after an appeal, and how this can have particularly harmful effects on Black individuals and their communities.

BLAC is being represented by Norton Rose Fulbright Canada.

By Sanjay Campbell, PhD Community Legal Worker at BLAC  

On March 27, 2026, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its sentencing decision in the case of Matthew Althorpe, following BLAC’s community impact statement submitted in December 2025.

The Court sentenced Mr. Althorpe to 20 years in prison engaging in publication of white supremacist ideology aimed at “indiscriminate killing of Black and other racialized people in Canada. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case and its effect on racialized groups.

BLAC’s community impact statement highlighted the real impact of hate-driven violence on Black communities, including fear, trauma, and other ongoing harm.

BLAC remains committed to challenging anti-Black racism and advocating for the safety and dignity of Black communities.

On March 21, BLAC attended the B’Well Clinic & Wellness Event in Rexdale ; a space grounded in health, education, and community support for Black men. Alongside the Black Action Defense Committee (BADC), we connected with community members and shared resources, while also introducing our joint initiative — The Black Circle of Care. Thank you to all the volunteers and members from BLAC and BADC who helped make the day meaningful.

The Canadian Network for Equity and Racial Justice (CNERJ) hosted its 2026 National Conference from March 3–5, bringing together advocates, researchers, and community leaders from across Canada to discuss issues of equity, systemic racism, and justice.

The Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) participated in the conference with Executive Director Demar Kemar Hewitt in attendance, contributing to national conversations on advancing racial justice , delivering a presentation on anti-Black hate.

The session raised awareness about the growing presence of white supremacist and anti-immigrant movements in Canada, and their impact on Black communities.

The conference provided an important space for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and advancing strategies to address racial injustice across the country.

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