TORONTO — A comprehensive study released today by Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company Canada Ltd. reveals that despite corporate pledges and public commitments made in 2020, discrimination against Black Canadians has increased, with 64% reporting experiences of discrimination in 2024 compared to 57.6% in 2020.

The report, “Progress or Propaganda? A Report Card on the Racial Reckoning,” draws on Statistics Canada data to expose a troubling trend: while some workplace metrics have marginally improved, discrimination in public spaces has surged from 50.7% to 60.2%.

“These findings emerge at a critical moment when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face mounting backlash,” says Dr. C. Justine Pierre, Director of Research at Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company. “The data clearly shows that Canada’s reckoning with racism was never meant to be temporary, yet commitment to change is fading.”

Key findings include:

• Black women face the highest rates of discrimination (69.2%) — nearly triple the rate reported by white men (25.6%)
• Workplace discrimination shows modest improvement, declining from 55.3% to 43%
• Education sector discrimination decreased from 27.1% to 16.3%
• Discrimination in public spaces, including stores, banks, and restaurants, increased significantly

The report comes during Black History Month 2025, offering a sobering assessment of Canada’s progress on racial equity. While some sectors show improvement, the overall trend suggests that initial commitments to combat systemic racism have not translated into widespread change.

“What we’re seeing is a tale of two Canadas,” adds Dr. Pierre. “While corporate diversity initiatives have made some headway, Black Canadians continue to face increasing discrimination in their daily lives. The question now is whether Canada will recommit to meaningful change or allow progress to backslide.”

Download the Full Report

DPBA is offering full access to the report, available for download at www.dpbglobal.com.

For media inquiries, expert commentary, or to request an interview please contact:

Media Contact: 
Dr. C. Justine Pierre 
Director of Research and Business Development 
Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company Canada Ltd. 
416-915-4277
jpierre@dpbglobal.com

About Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company Canada Ltd. 

DPBA is a Black-owned research, management, consulting and technology firm specializing in collecting and analyzing data on diverse populations globally. With over 160 projects delivered in 40 countries, DPBA maintains one of the world’s largest databases on Black populations, tracking data from over 135 countries. For more information, visit www.dpbglobal.com.