Leadership Team

Nicholas Marcus Thompson is the President and CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat, and a leading human rights advocate known for challenging systemic discrimination in Canada and globally. He spearheaded the landmark class action lawsuit against 99 federal departments to address anti-Black racism in Canada’s public service. Nicholas also founded the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination (CAWD) and the Global Litigation and Advocacy Network for People of African Descent (GLANPAD), expanding his impact beyond Canada. Through litigation, policy reform, and international advocacy, he continues to drive change, hold institutions accountable, and empower marginalized communities worldwide.

Alain Babineau is the Director of Advocacy and Francophone Affairs at the Black Class Action Secretariat. A seasoned expert in law enforcement, human rights, and racial justice, Alain brings over 30 years of experience, including service with the Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Military Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), where he retired as a Staff Sergeant in 2016. He holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill University, a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution from Carleton University. Alain is widely recognized for his leadership on issues of racial profiling, police accountability, and justice reform. He regularly advises political leaders, legal professionals, and public institutions on matters of anti-Black racism and public safety. He has lectured across colleges and universities and provided training on de-escalation, racial profiling, police legitimacy, and systemic discrimination. At BCAS, Alain leads advocacy efforts and supports Francophone communities, driving forward the fight for equity and institutional change through policy reform, education, and public engagement.

Bernadeth Betchi is the Director of Outreach and Education at the Black Class Action Secretariat. She brings extensive public service experience, having held senior roles at the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Prime Minister’s Office. In these roles, she advised executive leadership on equity, GBA+, and human rights issues, led grievance analysis, and managed national media relations. Her work has spanned policy development, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement across government, with a focus on protecting marginalized communities and ensuring institutional accountability. With a background in communications, gender studies, and public policy, Bernadeth holds a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies, a Master’s in Women and Gender Studies, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy with a focus on Feminist and Gender Studies. Her academic and consulting work is rooted in education, intersectionality, and community care. At BCAS, she leads outreach and education efforts that connect legal advocacy with public awareness, offering training, policy guidance, and community-based programming to promote equity, cultural competency, and systemic change.