Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: Capt (Ret’d) Kevin Junor
Video / April 16, 2026
Transcript
Capt (Navy) Kelly Williamson: Our next speaker is retired Capt Kevin Junor.
Kevin had a distinguished career in the Canadian Army, where he broke down barriers as both a leader and mentor. He is also widely known for his work beyond the military, as a coach, community builder and tireless advocate for fairness and excellence. Those who served with Kevin will tell you that his strength lies not only in his military service, but in the way he has lifted others up – especially those who wondered if there was a place for them in this institution. His career stands as proof that strength of character can transform systems as much as rank or title. Please welcome Captain (Ret’d) Kevin Junor.
Capt (Ret’d) Kevin Junor: Elder Dumont, Your Excellency, Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral, CF Chief, to everyone that is gathered today, to everyone that’s been harmed, to everyone that is seeking reconciliation – today I’m humbled, I’m blessed, I’m honoured to be standing here at this historic occasion. I was thinking about just following my notes, using my eyes, but age seems to get the better of us. So I’m going to use it.
Today, as we are here to get the apology that will be delivered for racism, discrimination that is experienced by members of the Canadian Armed Forces while serving Queen, King and country – it is a moment that I never thought would ever happen. I’ve served in uniform for almost four decades. You don’t stay with an organization that long if it’s all bad. You don’t act as the ambassador for an organization if it is all bad. However, we are here today because it was not all good. When I first joined the military, one of the first lessons that I learned as an infantry soldier was navigation. Corporal Angus stood before us, and he said, “You must know your origin and your destination, then plot your bearing.” He then told us that as we move on this journey, we’re required to navigate around obstacles, but we must keep that bearing, and keep marching towards that bearing.
He then gave us the two grids: our origin and our destination. Today, I... I’ll plot a bearing, and I hope that you will follow me as we move along the bearing. Acknowledging the existence of racism within the institution is vital – let’s consider that the origin – not only for those who have experienced it, but also for those who seek to understand its impact and to further the cause of equality and inclusion. Let’s call that our destination. There’s no denying that the environment encountered in the CAF was and remained deeply challenging, and at times impacting our quality of life at home and at work. I must say, the relationship with my family and my faith has kept me and assisted me in meeting the challenges head on.
Racism, both subtle and overt, is an ever-present shaping experience in both seen and unseen lives – from remarks that diminish our accomplishments to systemic barriers that hinder equal opportunity. These realities, they’ve left their mark. Like many, we have often been caught between a sense of pride in service and the pain of exclusion and misunderstanding. It would be unfair for me to suggest that our time in uniform was defined solely by hardship. Alongside those moments of adversity, there was camaraderie, there was growth, there was genuinely great times. There are mentors and allies who saw beyond differences, who value our contribution and shared our aspirations of what the Canadian Armed Forces could be.
The opportunity to serve our country, to lead, to learn, and to witness change over the years is a source of enduring pride, made me stand tall. Personally, staying with the CAF for over 30 years was not always easy, but it was never, ever without meaning. The journey was complex, marked by both sorrow and satisfaction, disappointment, but there was always hope. The apology today and the promise it holds resonates with those of us who carried on, believing in the possibility of a better future. It is a reminder that progress is possible. It’s possible that the institution can and will evolve, and that the courage to confront painful truth can open the doors to healing.
Anti-Black racism within the military has persisted from the early days of Confederation into present days, affecting the experiences, the recognition and advancement of Black Canadians serving in the military, in the Army, in the Air Force, in the Navy. I want to talk about a brief historical overview of systemic barriers and individual stories that illustrates the ongoing structural and problems against individuals showing discrimination within the Canadian Armed Forces.
At the outbreak of the First World War, the military’s reluctance to accept Black volunteers sparked protests and advocacy from Black communities and their allies. During the interwar years, little progress was made in overcoming anti-Black racism within the military. The legacy of this era continues to shape the experience of Black members in the Canadian Armed Forces. During World War II, recruitment policies remained discriminatory. While many more Black Canadians served in combat roles, many continued to encounter rejection and discrimination. TheBlack Liberators of World War IIdocumentary chronicles the experiences of men like Sergeant Bud Jones of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Both Air Force and Navy maintained exclusionary policies. As Canadian society began to change post-war, the military slowly, slowly opened more roles to Black personnel.
However, promotions and recognition lagged. The institutional racism remained embedded within policies and the culture. An example: the Royal Canadian Navy policy, “All applicants,” I quote, “All applicants had to belong to the white race and be British subjects who had resided in Canada for at least two years prior to the date of application.” All applicants.
In the modern era, greater social awareness led to incremental reforms within the CAF. Discriminatory policies were formally, formally abolished, but racism persisted in practice, with Black members often reporting harassment and unequal treatment. Black Canadians continued to struggle for recognition and for advancement.
I’d like to share a few personal experiences. Be aware that there are reoccurring themes from Confederation that still ring true to today. Discrimination is manifested in many ways: recruitment, segregation of duties, promotion and leadership, recognition, and institutional policies. A member of the panel is here with us today, Door Gibson. The Minister of National Defence Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination, in their final report, made a statement, “Racism in Canada is not a glitch in the system – it is the system.” Just recently, a report submitted by Andy Knight stated, “What was really startling to me was the extent to which some officers in the Forces paid lip service to equality, diversity and inclusion with a kind of wink and nod to their underlings, intimating that you have to do this because the government is forcing you to do it.”
I’d like to talk about a few individuals on which we in uniform stand on their shoulders. Petty Officer William Hall. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour of valour in the British Empire, for his action at Lucknow, demonstrated exceptional bravery under fire. However, while the medal signified official recognition, it did not shield Hall from the realities of racism. His heroism was often downplayed. It was not until many decades after his death that Hall’s story became a story that was shared. Today, William Hall is celebrated as a trailblazer who broke barriers in the face of adversity. Schools, streets, a naval vessel is named after him. Imagine that, HMCSWilliam Hall. I hope to go on that vessel one day.
The No. 2 Construction Battalion. At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, patriotism swept Canada. Recruiting officers routinely turned Black volunteers away, arguing, “This is a white man’s war.” Community champions and advocates wrote to the government on their behalf. Eventually, the No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed in 1916, the only all Black battalion in military history. But did I say that all their officers were white, except for the chaplain? They were a non-combat unit employed in the Forestry Corps. While this was a victory for Black Canadians, it was also a reflection of the segregated mindset of the time. They were not given rifles, like real soldiers; they were given pickaxes and shovels.
On July 9th, 2022, the Government of Canada apologized to descendants of the men who served in No. 2, and I quote, “For the blatant anti-Black hate and systemic racism that denied these men dignity in life and in death, we’re sorry. Only when the truths of the past are acknowledged can we begin to dress the wounds they created and build a better, more inclusive Canada for all.” A quote from the Prime Minister of Canada.
Private Jeremiah Jones volunteered to serve during the First World War, despite being in his late 50s. Late 50s, imagine! At that time, he should be at home. But he decided, “I’m going to volunteer to fight.” Facing rejection, he persisted, and eventually, he was accepted by the 106th Battalion. During the assault in Vimy Ridge, in April 1917, which was a defining moment in Canadian military history, Jones singlehandedly neutralized a machine gun group and compelled the surviving German soldiers to surrender. His commanding officer promised to recommend Jones for a distinguished conduct medal.
But it wasn’t until 2010, 93 years after his act of bravery at Vimy Ridge, that Jones was posthumously awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service. I was at the ceremony, which was both a moment of celebration and a sobering reminder of the enduring legacy of racism within the Canadian military.
Major Wally Peters is one of the first Black fighter pilots in Canadian history, and despite racism, Peters persevered, earning respect for his skill, his professionalism and determination. In an interview, Wally stated, “I remember standing at the bar listening to the stories he” – referring to the reviewing officer for the graduation – “was telling, and he turned to me and said, ‘What are you doing here?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m on the course that graduates tomorrow.’ He said ‘As what?’ And I said ‘As a pilot.’ ‘In my day,’ he said, ‘you would never have got past rear gunner.’ I sort of smiled and, you know, what could I say?” The next day at graduation, this reviewing officer had to present a number of awards, including the City of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan trophy for Flying Officer Walter Peters for the highest flying marks. Wally said, “I went up and I shook his hands.”
The reviewing officer had to present a second award of the day to Wally. Major Peters eventually became the Deputy Commanding Officer for the famous Snowbirds, and later, the first Human Rights Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Within the Navy, a tight-knit nature of life on the sea fosters both camaraderie and intensifies exclusion. Chief Petty Officer First Class John Madison, a cook and a submariner, joined the Navy and quickly realized that progress in the ranks was not always determined solely by the merits. Black personnel, including himself sometimes, faced skepticism about their capabilities and suitability for leadership roles. Microaggressions, racial slurs and stereotypes – sometimes subtle, sometimes overt – were a reality for his life on a daily basis.
I met a little man called James Fraser, Chief Warrant Officer, progressed through the ranks and despite formidable social and institutional barriers of the time became Division Sergeant Major for Ontario. Despite these challenges, Chief Warrant Officer Fraser and his peers persisted. Their determination and professionalism gradually chipped away at entrenched prejudice, creating greater awareness of the needs for institutional change. He had to step in to a number of occasions when racism was identified in the Toronto area, that I know of personally.
She’s sitting with us today, Lieutenant-Colonel Shelley Peters. She stands as a contemporary testament of both the barriers that persist and the realities that those who challenged face. The lived experience of Black service members like her dad, Major Wally Peters before her, reveals the ongoing necessity for systemic changes. She recounted incidents ranging from microaggressions to institutional neglect, underscoring the persistent culture that despite recent reforms, can be unwelcoming and even hostile to those who do not conform to the dominant demographic.
Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Jones – his career exemplifies serving as a Black member in the Canadian Armed Forces. Master Warrant Officer Avril Jones joined the military knowing of the challenges, but decided that this is something that I have to do because I want to serve, just like Jeremiah Jones.
I personally experienced both overt and subtle racism. Names, you name it, yes. On occasion, I was told, “It’s not about you.” As it relates to recruiting, I remember walking into a recruiting centre where racism was identified, and they would talk to everybody but me. I walked in in civilian clothes as a Chief Warrant Officer, but then the rank came out, and I addressed the issue. Recognition – our folks don’t get recognized like everybody else. We got to work harder than everybody else. I remember bringing up an issue to the leadership, and they said, “Well, you know, this person was recognized by another award,” but they were given that award before the issue that I brought forward.
The challenges, they continue. It’s interesting to see that recognition is something that is difficult for us to get. I’d like to say, despite the challenges faced by Black individuals and myself, I refuse, we refuse to allow the racism and discrimination we face or observe to define or derail our commitment to service. Joint strength from family and faith, we maintain a self-pride and a sense of service.
In closing, this apology being offered is not a conclusion, but an invitation to continue the work. My time in the CAF was not wholly defined by its shortcomings, but it’s also enriched by triumph, camaraderie and a deep personal growth. The late Colonel Karen Ritchie, an advocate for inclusion, initiated a dialogue with me about transforming the CAF. The serving and future members have a responsibility to continue this dialogue – a dialogue that will make the CAF an inclusive and welcoming organization, a dialogue that will enrich the understanding of those in power, a dialogue that will provide access to the privilege that is not currently shared.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to speak today. The path forward requires continued vigilance, honest reflection and courageous action. It’s been a long time coming, but change is going to come. Thank you, and God bless you.
Capt (Navy) Kelly Williamson: Thank you, Kevin, for your strength and for your service. And you have reminded us what true leadership looks like.
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Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: Opening Remarks and Territorial Welcome |
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Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: Sgt (Ret'd) Wendy Jocko |
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Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: Capt (Ret’d) Kevin Junor |
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Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: LCdr (Ret’d) Albert Wong |
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Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean |
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Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: Delivery of the National Apology |
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Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: Closing Remarks |