Last week on the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we released our new report The State of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Canadian Workplaces 2023. The day remembers the 69 persons killed by police in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960 who peacefully protested the racist apartheid system. The day also serves as a call to action for states, governments, institutions, and persons to end racism, including systemic and institutional racism. 

Our call to action is our report. The report provides a snapshot of where workplaces are on their equity and justice journeys in Canada, what activities they have completed, and what challenges they are experiencing. The research is based on a review of secondary research completed both in Canada and globally.

From the research, the report allows workplaces to assess their current position and invites them to change the activities, policies, and practices that don’t support their goal of creating equitable and just organizations. Employers can realize their goals by centering the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ + folks, and others to build more inclusive workplaces that prevent discrimination, bullying, and harassment and promote equity.

Why should workplaces create equitable workplaces? As one person committed online “aren’t we just overdoing this? Can’t people just be nicer to each other?” In the report, I explain that “advancing DEI in Canadian workplaces is important not only because it is what many employees, funders, shareholders, and customers expect, but also because it is the law. Protecting the rights and safety of all staff is included in provincial and territorial human rights codes, as well as included in health and safety legislation. Remaining fully committed to achieving your DEI goals is not something nice to do, because it is something all workplaces must do to protect employees from harm, harassment, and discrimination.”

The report outlines that employers may feel stuck in their DEI programs and efforts, they may not have the right people in place to lead the work, or they may have been focusing on compliance and need to dig deeper into the work. Workplaces that are not advancing in their work, may need to bring in an external expert to assist. With experience in helping workplaces have difficult conversations, creating DEI vision statements and action plans, research, and evaluation, my team and I can craft a plan for an organization to keep moving forward, keep learning, and leading.

Thanks so much for reading and let me know how we can help you create a more equitable and just workplace.

Michelle

michelle@mvdconsulting.ca