About OBVC
Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) was established in 2004 as a non-profit, multi-partisan organization that supports the election of Black Canadians to public office. We educate, motivate and advocate for Black Canadians to participate in Canada’s government, agencies, boards, commissions, civil service and political processes at all levels. Unique among other traditional organizations that recruit candidates, our goals are to provide information to expand the community of Black Canadians considering public office and encourage civic engagement in Black communities across the country.
OBVC does not endorse candidates or advocate for one political party over another; we assist Black Canadians interested in a political or civic career.
OBVC monitors issues that impact the Black Canadian communities and play a leading role in recommending solutions to the community and government.
What We Do
OBVC activities include training, workshops and events that promote the election of and civic engagement among Black Canadians by:
- Working with all political parties to increase the nominations of Black Canadians candidates in winnable ridings.
- Encouraging the appointment of Black Canadians to the municipal, federal and provincial civil service.
- Connecting with young Black Canadians to inspire and engage them in politics and the political process.
- Organizing training, summits and information sessions about the political process.
- Raising awareness about the impact of under-representation within the Black Canadian community and political parties.
- Celebrating Black Canadians in politics.
- Building coalitions and partnerships with groups who share similar ideals.
- Communicating and implementing OBVC’s goals and activities through innovative programs, major events, our website, media releases, and social media.
- Monitoring issues affecting the community’s political participation and making recommendations to both the community and government