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- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Facing Employment Barriers: The Stories of Black Women in Saskatchewan
Nordy Amanambu’s career journey in Saskatchewan has often been shadowed by a familiar refrain: “You’re not the right fit.” Despite holding a university certificate, a bachelor’s degree, and extensive administrative experience, Amanambu found herself repeatedly overlooked for opportunities at her workplace in Saskatoon. She recalls applying for a permanent post at her import-export company, only to see the position go to an external candidate with less experience. Her situation led to feelings of burnout, resentment, and a sense that her potential was being wasted. "They refused to hire me and pay me much more than they were. But they wanted to keep me there for as long as possible," she shared.
Survey Highlights: Employment Gaps and Recognition Issues
A recent Being Black in Canada Survey, commissioned by CBC News, sheds light on the broader experiences of Black Canadians in the Prairie provinces, including Saskatchewan. Out of more than 1,200 Black respondents across Canada, 146 were from the Prairies. The survey found that while 84 percent of Prairie respondents were employed—more than any other region—only 66 percent were working in their field of expertise, the lowest rate nationally. Nearly half reported that their resumes and credentials were not recognized during hiring processes. Credential recognition challenges remain a significant barrier, contributing to career stagnation for many Black professionals.
Anti-Black Racism and Its Impact in the Workplace
Jayna Amadasun’s story exemplifies these struggles. After earning a nursing degree in the Bahamas, a medical degree in the Dominican Republic, and a master’s in medical law and ethics from Scotland, Amadasun arrived in Canada expecting her qualifications to open doors. Instead, she found herself stuck in an entry-level administrative job within health care, facing "racially charged" emails and racist remarks from colleagues. "There were other individuals that would have been in the department who transitioned into other higher positions, or even out of the department in other higher positions," she noted. Amadasun believes her lack of mobility was tied to her race—a view shared by 63 percent of Prairie survey respondents, who reported experiencing anti-Black racism in the workplace within the last year.
Systemic Racism and Broader Employment Outcomes
Statistics Canada data from 2023-24 underscores that Black Canadians are among those most likely to report discrimination in the last five years. The data also show that despite being more likely to hold bachelor’s degrees, racialized Canadians, including those in the black Canadian workforce, face worse employment outcomes compared to non-racialized groups. Discrimination affects day-to-day work conditions, pay, and advancement. Nearly half of Black people surveyed reported experiencing unfair treatment or discrimination at work. The long-term impacts of such treatment include deteriorating physical and mental health and diminished happiness at work.
Creating Safer Spaces and Support Networks
Sharon Makanga, a psychotherapist and candidate for a master’s in counselling psychology, highlights the broader effects of these workplace issues. She notes that in environments where Black employees are underrepresented and unsupported, individuals may be discouraged from seeking promotions or further career development. Imposter syndrome, heightened pressure, and the fear of job loss can prevent people from speaking up about challenges or mistakes. To address these issues, Makanga launched the Afro-Mentorship Initiative—an organization based in Regina and Saskatoon aimed at creating safe, inclusive environments for Black youth. The initiative teaches children about culture, career choices, mental health support, and the importance of mentorship, helping them to envision greater possibilities for their futures.
Government and Legislative Responses
In response to concerns about workplace discrimination and systemic racism, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health emphasized its support for a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Saskatchewan Employment Act and Human Rights Code are designed to protect workers from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, age, gender, disability, and religion. However, the ministry acknowledged that these laws do not address specifics around job promotions or detailed credential recognition, which remain ongoing concerns for Black professionals in the province.
Source: cbc.ca.
