N.B. Appoints Systemic Racism Commissioner

Six months after announcing plans to do so, New Brunswick has appointed an independent commissioner on systemic racism.

Dr. Manju Varma has a doctorate in Anti-Racist Education from the University of Toronto and was an assistant-professor from 2000 to 2008 with the University of New Brunswick’s faculty of education.

She also has training in conflict mediation from Harvard Law School, in negotiation from Dalhousie University, and in change management.

“I’ve worked in this area for over 30 years and, to me, this new part of the journey to address racism in the province is such a great step,” Varma said during a news conference on Friday.

Varma has been tasked with holding public consultations on the “nature and impact of systemic racism” and creating a final report.

The report will include recommendations for the government on developing a provincial strategy and an action plan to address sector concerns such as barriers to opportunity; equitable access to programs and services; and systemic racism in health care, education, social development, housing, employment and criminal justice.

She acknowledged that New Brunswick has a problem with systemic racism but said the problem is not unique to us.

“New Brunswick has not cornered the market on systemic racism,” said Varma. “What we’re doing differently is the fact that we’re now taking a look at ourselves and beginning real work on how do we change that.”

The final report is expected by next September, but Varma said she will ask the government for more time if needed.

Varma said the public consultations will look different depending on who she is meeting with.

“If one group says we’d like to come speak to you as a collective, that’s great. But if others want to have a one-on-one conversation, that’s great as well,” she said.

Varma was selected as commissioner by cabinet following an interview process that was led by the Executive Council Office.

The cost of the commissioner and her work is estimated to be $500,000 and will be funded by the provincial government.