Worker accuses CBC of systemic racism

Indigenous videographer gets human-rights hearing over claims he was denied work because of his race

- MICKEY DJURIC

An Indigenous employee with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. is taking up the fight against what he describes as systemic racism by his employer.

Richard Agecoutay, 61, has been granted a human-rights hearing over claims of discrimination at the public broadcaster, where he’s worked since 2001.

It’s an effort to knock down barriers for others, he said. “You don’t have to suffer systemic racism or racism in the workplace. You have avenues to pursue it.”

Agecoutay, a videographer for CBC in Regina, alleges he has repeatedly been denied work due to his race and that the broadcaster offered a settlement, but he would have had to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Documents filed with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal detail several instances in which Agecoutay said he was denied work.

The key allegation stems from 2012, when his complaint says a less-experienced white employee was chosen over him for a senior position at “Hockey Night in Canada.”