To honor Black History Month and recognize the contributions of Black Canadians in the military and beyond, the Defence Visible Minority Advocacy Group (DVMAG) at CFB Borden hosted a thought-provoking discussion panel on February 6, 2025, at the Waterloo Officers’ Mess.
The panel brought together high-ranking CAF members and experts, including Lieutenant Colonel Felix Fonséca, Commanding Officer (CO) of the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre (CFTDC), Lieutenant Colonel Maxime Champagne, CO of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME), Captain Christa-Gayle Clarke-Edwards, Warrant Officer Terry Afflick, and author Lindsay Ruck.
The discussion covered key themes such as the historical contributions of Black Canadians, the importance of representation in the military, and the systemic barriers that continue to affect racialized communities.
Reflecting on History: The No. 2 Construction Battalion
A significant focus of the panel was the recognition of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s first and only all-Black battalion. Formed during World War I, the battalion was created in response to racial discrimination that prevented Black Canadians from enlisting in combat roles. Instead, they were assigned non-combat duties, such as building roads and fortifications.
LCol Champagne emphasized the importance of acknowledging these early struggles.
“The No. 2 Construction Battalion is a testament to perseverance. These men wanted to serve their country despite being told they weren’t wanted in combat roles. Their dedication paved the way for future generations of Black Canadians in the CAF,” LCol Champagne said.
The discussion also highlighted the 2022 formal apology from the Canadian government to the descendants of the battalion’s members. Panelists agreed that while this recognition was an important step, it must be followed by meaningful action to address lingering inequities within the CAF and broader society.
Representation and Leadership in the CAF
Panelists shared personal experiences on the importance of representation in leadership roles and how it impacts younger recruits. LCol Champagne reflected on his own career, noting that having strong Black role models in the military was a source of motivation.
“When you see someone who looks like you in a leadership position, it reinforces that you belong here and that advancement is possible,” he said.
Capt Clarke-Edwards echoed this sentiment, adding that mentorship is crucial for breaking barriers.
“I remember being the only person of color in a leadership course early in my career. It felt isolating at times, but having mentors who understood my experiences helped me push through those challenges,” Capt Clarke-Edwards shared.
WO Afflick pointed out that, while the CAF has made progress in fostering inclusivity, there are still gaps that need to be addressed.
“We have more Black leaders today than we did 20 years ago, but we still have work to do. Representation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that all members feel valued and heard,” WO Afflick said.
Overcoming Challenges: Systemic Barriers in the Military
While the panel celebrated progress, the discussion also acknowledged that systemic barriers still exist. Many Black CAF members continue to experience bias and microaggressions in their careers.
Lindsay Ruck, whose research and writing focus on Black Canadian history, emphasized that these barriers are not just historical—they persist today.
“People think racism is a thing of the past, but we still see discrimination in hiring, promotions, and even day-to-day interactions,” Ruck said.
WO Afflick shared an example of how unconscious bias can affect career progression.
“There have been times when I’ve had to work twice as hard to be seen as equal to my peers. Black members often feel pressure to constantly prove themselves, and that can be exhausting,” he said.
A Call to Action: Building a More Inclusive Future
The discussion concluded with a call for continued efforts in fostering diversity and inclusion within the CAF. Panelists urged leadership to not only recruit more diverse candidates but also ensure they are supported and given opportunities to advance.
Capt Clarke-Edwards emphasized the importance of education.
“We need to integrate Black history into our training and development programs—not just during Black History Month, but year-round. Understanding the contributions of Black Canadians should be part of our military culture,” she said.
LCol Fonséca reinforced the need for ongoing conversations about race, identity, and equity in the military.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we have to keep pushing. Events like this panel discussion are a step in the right direction,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
As CFB Borden continues its Black History Month celebrations, the insights shared during this panel serve as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging history, fostering representation, and breaking down systemic barriers. The stories of the No. 2 Construction Battalion and the experiences of today’s Black CAF members highlight the resilience and determination that have shaped Canada’s military history.
With ongoing efforts from groups like DVMAG, the CAF is working toward a future where all members—regardless of race or background—feel included, empowered, and valued in their service to Canada.
