Study reveals 83% of young Black people experienced discrimination in Quebec – CityNews Montreal

Montreal
By The Canadian Press
Posted April 14, 2025 9:39 am.
Last Updated April 14, 2025 9:40 am.
Young Black people continue to be disproportionately targeted by daily discrimination in Quebec, reveals a study published by the Afro Youth Summit and the Quebec Black Communities Observatory.
According to this quantitative survey conducted in collaboration with Léger, 83 per cent of Black respondents report having been victims of discrimination at least once in their lives, compared to 40 per cent of non-Black respondents, the control group in this study.
Among the 961 young Black people (aged 15 to 35) surveyed, 63 per cent admitted to having been discriminated against a few times, and 20 per cent admitted to being discriminated against often.
“It seems like our young people are starting the game of life with two strikes down,” denounced Édouard Staco, president of the Afro Youth Summit, referring to baseball.
These incidents of discrimination, especially if repeated, can damage self-esteem and ultimately hinder a young adult’s potential, as Staco explains.
He also highlights the prevalence of this discrimination in public services. In this regard, 66 per cent of young Black respondents say they have experienced unfair treatment at least once in health, education, justice, and transportation services.
“Two-thirds of young Black people say they have experienced unfair treatment in services provided by the state, by the government; these are the basics for success in life,” says Édouard Staco.
The president of Sommet Jeunes Afro explains that this treatment can take many forms. “For example, it’s when society and education personnel seem to lack ambition for our young Black people,” he says.
He cites the example of racialized teens who are offered “easier” paths, such as vocational diplomas (DVS), instead of being encouraged to pursue higher education.
“Equity is the ability to believe that our youth have the right and the potential to be present at all levels.”
Read:
The data collected encompasses all types of discrimination, both explicit and symbolic. The organization is preparing a qualitative study to better describe the obstacles facing this generation.
“It’s said today that we’re in the age of data. Governments, society in general, operate with data,” explains Staco. “We need it to seriously advance the discussion and champion the cause of young people.”
The Afro Youth Summit organization wishes to send a message to the government by publishing the results of this study.
“Whether we call it systemic racism or not is irrelevant, but the data shows that there is indeed a problem of injustice in state institutions,” says Staco. “I would like to remind the government that this is also about their young people.”
Engaged Youth
Despite this dismal observation, Black youth do not seem to lack hope or ambition.
Among Black respondents, 46 per cent consider themselves to have high confidence in the future of their community, compared to only 11 per cent who say they have low or very low confidence.
“The good news is that young people in Black communities, despite all this, are as confident in their success as other young people. They believe in their future,” emphasizes Staco.
The data shows that this confidence translates into a strong commitment to their community: nearly 68 per cent of young people believe they make a positive contribution.
This hope must be nurtured, because it’s a powerful lever for change, he maintains.
“Clearly, our young people are ready to be agents of change, so we must ensure we give them equal opportunities for success so that their potential doesn’t go untapped.”
The survey was conducted online from August to October 2024, with 1,463 respondents from three different sources: a Léger web panel, an open link via a Léger DGTL digital campaign, and an open link distributed by Sommet Jeunes Afro (SJA) to their network of partners.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
The Montreal Canadiens hope to clinch a playoff spot from the comfort of their own arena on Monday night as Ivan Demidov is set to make his NHL debut tonight. The 19-year-old Russian forward, selected…
28m ago
Three more strike days are taking place Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in 400 childcare centers. These are the 11th, 12th, and 13th strike days for union members of the Fédération de la santé et…
0m ago
While the federal government’s removal of the carbon tax has lowered gas prices elsewhere in the country, Quebec is banking on increased competition to lower costs at the pump for Quebec drivers. Minister…
41m ago
Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are both campaigning in Montreal today and making announcements about defence procurement and justice reform. Poilievre is vowing to…
0m ago
The Montreal Canadiens hope to clinch a playoff spot from the comfort of their own arena on Monday night as Ivan Demidov is set to make his NHL debut tonight. The 19-year-old Russian forward, selected…
28m ago
Three more strike days are taking place Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in 400 childcare centers. These are the 11th, 12th, and 13th strike days for union members of the Fédération de la santé et…
0m ago
While the federal government’s removal of the carbon tax has lowered gas prices elsewhere in the country, Quebec is banking on increased competition to lower costs at the pump for Quebec drivers. Minister…
41m ago
Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are both campaigning in Montreal today and making announcements about defence procurement and justice reform. Poilievre is vowing to…
0m ago
With the federal election campaign entering its fourth week, party leaders are preparing to square-off in two scheduled debates this week. Rhianne Campbell reports.
13h ago
“[Vote on Campus reduces] the barriers to access to voting,” said Florence Ryan, media advisor for Elections Canada. Over 100 polling stations across Canadian campuses will be open from April 13 to 16. Erin Seize reports.
18h ago
“The biggest issue is the stress factor,” said Alexandra Rachita, parent of a child in a Quebec government run daycare, who had to take unpaid time off after parental leave, waiting for a spot for her child. Erin Seize reports.
Rescuers are racing to find any remaining survivors in the rubble of Friday’s powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Erica Natividad with the ongoing hope and the challenge facing international aid organizations.
“It’s easy to understand that a political party would not want to set a precedent by paying cash,” said Patrick White, journalism professor at UQAM, about TVA’s $75,000 debate participation fee, refused by the Liberal Party. Erin Seize reports.
Now New and Improved! Watch CityNews Montreal, and get up-to-the-minute breaking-news alerts, traffic, weather and video from CityNews anywhere you are – across all Android and iOS devices.

source

About The Author

Gilliam Nii Lighter

See author's posts