Deeply rooted and systemic white supremacy, xeno-racism and discrimination have penetrated the ranks of the Canadian military, according to a new report by University of Alberta political scientist Andy Knight.
"Certain individuals clandestinely engage in supremacist practices and infiltrate the military to gain access to training and resources for a perceived 'race war,'" writes Knight in the report commissioned by the Department of National Defence (DND).
He also found "discriminatory practices embedded within institutional structures" that "favour white, male and Christian identities" rooted in Canada's colonial legacy.
"Such practices undermine diversity and inclusion initiatives, leaving members of marginalized communities feeling isolated, unwelcome or targeted," he writes.
Knight produced the 45-page report with a Targeted Engagement Grant from the defence department's Mobilizing Insights in Defence & Security Program (MINDS). He says military leaders were concerned about the degree to which systemic racism has penetrated their ranks and reached out to him for an independent review.
