Sixty years ago in Montreal, history was made when Gloria Baylis, a Black nurse, won a groundbreaking case against racial discrimination. Her victory marked a pivotal moment in the fight for equality.
Gloria’s courageous stand took place at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Hotel, then managed by Hilton. In 1964, a new law was enacted in Quebec, forbidding employment discrimination based on race, among other factors. Despite this legislation, Gloria was unjustly denied a nursing position under false pretenses.
After a lengthy legal battle, the court ruled in 1965 that Hilton of Canada had indeed discriminated against Gloria. Despite years of appeals, the conviction was ultimately upheld in 1977, setting a precedent in Canadian history.
A recent conference in Montreal, titled Triomphe: 60 Years of a Historic Case That Shaped Justice, delved into the social backdrop of the 1960s and highlighted the significance of Gloria’s case. An upcoming exhibit at le Centre Sanaaq will pay tribute to Gloria’s legacy from January 29 to March 8, 20206.
