BlackNorth Initiative

Don't miss your chance to apply for the RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust and BlackNorth Initiative Bursary.

Selected recipients will receive:
• $5,300 university bursaries
• $2,650 trades bursaries
• Mentorship through the BlackNorth Connect Program
• Internship opportunities with RioCan

Students pursuing a wide range of real estate-related fields—including finance, engineering, law, human resources, architecture, construction, project management, insurance, consulting, and more—may be eligible.

Applications close July 3, 2026.
Apply now: shorturl.at/rcoXR

Today, we honour Maurice Charles, Canada's first Black judge.

When he was appointed to the Ontario Court Bench in 1969, he broke a barrier that had never been broken before in Canada. His historic appointment helped open doors for future generations of Black judges, lawyers, and legal professionals.

Maurice Charles proved that being the first is about more than personal achievement—it's about creating possibilities for those who come after you.

His legacy lives on in every barrier broken, every door opened, and every person inspired to pursue a path once thought impossible.

A trailblazer. A pioneer. A legacy that continues.

Curious about building a meaningful career in regulation, policy, enforcement, or corporate services?

Join us on June 18 for *CAREERS WITH IMPACT: WORKING AT THE ONTARIO SECURITIES COMMISSION.*

In partnership with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), this webinar will provide an inside look at the organization, the important role it plays in Ontario's financial sector, and the diverse career opportunities available for students, recent graduates, and experienced professionals.

Hear directly from OSC employees as they share their career journeys, professional growth, and what makes their work impactful.

📅 June 18, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
📍 Virtual (Zoom): https://luma.com/ktxwpbfg

Whether you're exploring your next opportunity or looking to learn more about the OSC, this is a great chance to connect with their team and discover where a career with impact can take you.

Looking for your next opportunity?

New roles have been added to BlackNorth Connect across technology, healthcare, finance, customer operations, and project management.

Whether you’re seeking a position in digital banking, laboratory sciences, financial reporting, customer support, or IT project delivery, explore opportunities with leading employers committed to building strong and diverse teams.

Visit BlackNorth Connect to view current openings and take the next step in your career.

This Pride Month, we celebrate Black 2SLGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, and changemakers whose contributions continue to strengthen our communities and advance equity for all.

The history of progress within Black communities cannot be told without recognizing the contributions of Black q***r and trans people. For generations, Black 2SLGBTQ+ advocates have fought not only for their own rights and visibility, but for broader racial justice, community empowerment, and collective liberation. Their leadership, resilience, and advocacy have helped advance movements that benefit all of us.

Pride also reminds us that our identities and experiences are interconnected. Building more equitable communities requires us to show up for one another, recognize the unique barriers people face, and understand that progress is strongest when no one is left behind.

At BlackNorth, we believe meaningful allyship is rooted in action, learning, and a commitment to fostering environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. By uplifting Black 2SLGBTQ+ voices and experiences, we strengthen our collective ability to create workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive.

This month, we honour the leadership, resilience, and impact of Black 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for all.

National Accessibility Week begins this Sunday, but the work of building a more accessible and inclusive Canada continues year-round.

As we approach this important week, we're centring the experiences of Black Canadians with disabilities and recognizing the barriers that continue to impact access to employment, opportunity, and belonging.

Accessibility is about more than accommodation—it's about creating environments where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive. That requires ongoing commitment, advocacy, and action long after National Accessibility Week ends.

This week and throughout the year, we encourage our community to learn more, access resources, and support this important work.

Connect with Ase Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities, Canada's only national Black- and disability-led organization, and explore ways to get involved in advancing accessibility and inclusion for Black Canadians.

Introducing Black Canadian Stories, a series highlighting the experiences, contributions, and impact of Black Canadians across communities, industries, and generations.

From sport and education to advocacy, leadership, and the arts, the series aims to recognize stories that reflect the many ways Black Canadians continue to shape the social and cultural fabric of the country.

This edition highlights Taylan Peters and the importance of accessible spaces that allow people of all abilities to participate, connect, and thrive.

Black Canadian talent, leadership, and creativity exist in every corner of our communities — and every story deserves to be seen, valued, and remembered.

New opportunities are now available through BlackNorth Connect.

This week’s featured roles include opportunities with Enbridge, The Daniels Corporation, CIBC, FCT, and American Express.

From Engineering and Property Management to Data Analytics, Vendor Performance, and Marketing, there are roles available for students, interns, and professionals looking for their next opportunity.

Visit BlackNorth Connect through the link in bio to explore roles, mentorship, scholarships, and more.

Today, on World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we recognize the important role diversity plays in driving stronger organizations, more innovative thinking, and more inclusive workplaces.

Organizations that embrace diverse perspectives are better positioned to foster collaboration, strengthen decision-making, and create environments where employees, clients, and communities can thrive.

At BlackNorth Initiative, we remain committed to advancing equitable opportunities and supporting the development of inclusive workplace cultures across Canada. Through collaboration with our partners, signatories, and broader network, we continue working toward meaningful and measurable progress.

World Day for Cultural Diversity serves as an opportunity to reflect on the value of inclusion, dialogue, and shared responsibility in building stronger communities and workplaces for the future.