[VIDEO] Advocate challenges dismissal of DND employee after 30 years with the Canadian military

Lionel Beals & Rocky Coward
Lionel Beals & Rocky Coward

Via Community Update:

Feb 5, 2024 — As we celebrate this year’s Black History Month, this special edition of Community Update highlights the ongoing struggle against racism and injustice faced by Black individuals, particularly within the Canadian Armed Forces. Reflecting on the historical context, including the formation of Canada’s first all-Black military regiment during World War One, the program focuses on recent events involving community advocate Rubin “Rocky” Coward and Lionel Beals, a former Department of National Defense employee.
 
Beals was fired after being accused of misconduct, an allegation he vehemently denies. Coward, a retired senior noncommissioned officer and community advocate, has taken up Beals’ case, alleging systemic racism within the military.

Coward, representing Beals, asserts that the accusations against Beals are unfounded and part of a broader pattern of anti-Black discrimination within the military. This episode also delves into Coward’s involvement in a class action lawsuit against the Canadian Armed Forces for racism, highlighting broader systemic issues. Despite recent apologies from the government for historical injustices, Coward stresses that racism persists within military institutions.

The conversation touches on various aspects of Beals’ case, including discrepancies in dismissal dates, alleged racism from superiors, and the role of mental health issues in the accusations against him. Coward emphasizes the need for accountability and structural changes within military leadership to address systemic racism effectively.

Reflecting on Black History Month, Coward calls for action to rectify the injustices faced by Beals and other Black individuals. He urges government officials, including Minister of National Defense Bill Blair, to address the findings of inquiries and reports into racism within military institutions.

The episode concludes with Coward’s commitment to continue advocating for Beals and other victims of discrimination, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in Canada.