We’re listening, learning and taking action

We’ve spent the last few weeks having insightful, challenging and important conversations with our team. Our team members, like many Canadians, are processing the effects of systemic racism that are being confronted around the world.

Our goal has always been to be the marketplace for all Canadians. In many ways, Canadians know they can rely on Kijiji to find what they need in their communities. However, we recognize that we have a role in promoting change and opportunities exist to improve the Kijiji experience for Black and Indigenous communities. Through continuing to engage in brave conversations and critical self-reflection, we are committed to making Kijiji a place where Black and Indigenous communities feel welcome. 

As a first step, we are donating a total of $100K CAD to the Black Business Professional Association and Indspire. We will make an additional $500K CAD in-kind donation of display advertising on our platform to further amplify the voices of these organizations and the communities they serve.

We will work with a third party to audit our platform, policies and marketing to identify how the Kijiji experience can be more inclusive and better enable Black and Indigenous communities and businesses to be successful in their local transactions. The audit will be completed by Fall 2020.

We recognize that these are the first steps in a long and necessary journey. We are committed to doing the work to make Kijiji a more inclusive space for Black and Indigenous communities.

About the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA)

Founded in 1983, the BBPA is a charitable organization aimed at advancing Canada's Black community by facilitating the delivery of programs supporting business and professional excellence, higher education, and economic development. The BBPA represents the interests of Black businesses and professionals throughout the greater Toronto area, and is involved in advocacy, training, communications, and leadership development. Along with workshops and programs at its BBPA Centre of Excellence, the BBPA presents the Annual Harry Jerome Awards, the BBPA National Scholarships, and the National Black Business Convention (NBBPC). For more information, please visit the BBPA at www.bbpa.org.

About Indspire

Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire invests in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students so they will achieve their highest potential. In 2019-2020, Indspire provided $17.8 million through more than 5,100 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada. For further information, visit indspire.ca.