BeyondTheMargins

One of the greatest motivations of the Canadian government’s social integration program is to focus on inclusivity and diversity with an abnormal and coveted spirit of absolute vengeance. Some would argue it is a type of revenge, a revenge from oneself, a revenge from the past, a disownment of the self, or maybe self-hatred. In a massive bustling city like Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton, this isn’t a difficult feat to achieve where immigrants regularly rally for jobs and the workplace is anyway a “colorful” integrated affair.

But what about the rural north?

Being the only person of color in the department comes with some incredible and unearned, odd privileges and strange circumstances.

For example, when the premier pays a visit, the administrative officer will like to boast about the incredible “diversity” in the department and turn to you.

If the chief provincial medical officer would pay a visit, the leading practice specialist and the admin will gleefully turn to you.

On repeated occasions of multiple events and with repeated instances of people “turning to you,” the whole affair became rather odd and cringe-worthy…

On one such occasion, when the deputy minister paid a visit, the administrative officer adoringly turned and said, “oh but we have Ansh here.” “Yes, but I am the only one you have” – I wanted to say. However, I played the part.

But doubts are put to rest when an innocuous comment ends up offending your colleagues and superiors far more than it could offend you.

On an occasion where a client went off the beaten path and made an unfortunate comment – the department stepped up, and the person was banned from the entirety of the building. A clear message of ‘those who cannot respect our staff’ are not allowed in the building.

‘Don’t let anyone talk to you like that,’ said the admin.