According to a KPMG survey, most Black Canadians believe their employers made progress in addressing anti-Black racism last year, but they are concerned about the impact of a recession on those gains.

According to the report, 90% of Black Canadians polled said their employers made progress toward being more equitable and inclusive of Black employees in 2022.

The report also shows 59% of respondents said their employer’s efforts to hire more Black people improved, while 54% said efforts to promote more Black people into leadership roles improved.

However, many of those polled were concerned about what an economic slowdown might mean for Black Canadians.

According to the report, 77% are concerned that a recession will hurt their Black and racialized colleagues’ career and promotion prospects more than others.

It also said 73% believe anti-Black racism efforts and broader diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives will be “put on the back burner” by their employer during an economic downturn.