This edition of Diversity Ink arrives at a meaningful moment for CCDI, one of transition, gratitude, and genuine excitement for what's ahead.
After five years as Chair of our Board of Directors, Marni Panas chaired her final meeting on June 17th. I want to take a moment here, in this space, to honour what she has given to this organization.
Marni's leadership was defined by the way she showed up, with care, kindness, and thoughtfulness, even through some of our most challenging moments. She helped build the governance foundation that CCDI stands on today, championed this organization across the country, and has been one of my greatest supports throughout my first year as CEO. She leaves behind a board that is stronger than it has been, and an organization that is healthier, more focused, and more trusted. That is her legacy, and it is a real one.
I am happy to share a message from Marni:
Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,
I’m writing to share that after five years as Chair of the CCDI Board of Directors, I chaired my final meeting on June 17, 2026.
This has been a deeply meaningful journey for me—both professionally and personally. Serving as Chair was my first board experience, and I learned a tremendous amount along the way. Much of that learning came from the people around me—our board members, leadership team, staff, and broader inclusion community—whose support, insight, and partnership I will always be grateful for... Read the full message from Marni
Moments like this are a reminder of why governance matters — of how the right people, showing up with the right values, shape everything that follows. Thank you, Marni. And welcome, Soula.
With gratitude,
Sartaj Sarkaria
President and CEO
Registrations for CCDI’s 2026 Community of Practice events are now open!
In a time of increasing complexity and change, some question whether DEIA can adapt to evolving realities. Yet adaptation has always been central to our work itself, allowing the field to grow and respond alongside evolving contexts, environments, and understandings of DEIA and belonging.
Join the most transformative DEIA conversation of 2026 at CCDI Community of Practice events taking place virtually and in-person in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, and Winnipeg during October and November.
These sessions are open to individuals at all levels of an organization interested in building real skills to sustain momentum, respond to resistance, and make thoughtful decisions through adaptive practices.
Introducing our new Board Chair CCDI is pleased to announce Soula Courlas, Partner, Organization & Workforce Transformation Services at PwC Canada, has been appointed Chair of its Board of Directors. Soula steps in at a moment when CCDI is stronger and more focused than it's been for a long time. Her past work on the Board has already demonstrated the energy and thoughtfulness she brings to this work. We look forward to building on this past year's momentum together with her.
Celebrating the contributions of our outgoing Chair CCDI extends its sincere thanks to departing Board Chair Marni Panas, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ATCO, for everything she has given to CCDI. Marni has served on the CCDI Board for 7 years, the past 5 years as Chair. Over these five years, Marni built a real governance foundation and, in our view, the strongest, most effective Board in CCDI's history. We are grateful for what got accomplished under her leadership, with care, kindness, and thoughtfulness at every turn.
For a concise overview of key employment, health and safety, privacy, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) legislation in Canada, the Federal and provincial legislative guides are now available for download. These resources provide concise overviews for each law, outlining implications for employers and their relation to DEIA:
who and what it applies to
latest date of amendment
key requirements for employers, with emphasis on how each law affects workplace practices
penalties for non-compliance
These guides are for general information only and do not constitute legal advice. Organizations are encouraged to use these overviews as a foundation to go beyond compliance and proactively build workplace policies, practices, and cultures that prioritize safety, inclusion, and equity.
March of Dimes Canada: How IDEA integrates structure when leaders become the architects of change.
In this inspiring Q&A, March of Dimes Canada (MODC) Chief People Officer & Chief Privacy Officer Alison Staples, CHRE, MBA, ICD.D, CCIP, reflects on MODC’s IDEA journey and the leadership experiences and mentors that influenced her decision to pursue the CCIP.DTM designation. Alison shares insights into how MODC has integrated IDEA into decision-making that go far beyond symbolic commitments. They are proactive initiatives supported by infrastructure, governance, and accountable leadership.
Understanding the IDEA journey of an Employer Partner like MODC will inspire your organization. Their progress is a strong example of how IDEA has evolved from values-driven dialogue to deeper structural integration.
Advance your DEIA knowledge and expertise with the next cohort of the DEIA Pathways courses. This program ensures learners not only grasp essential concepts but also have the opportunity to practice and apply skills effectively in real-world situations.
Track 1: DEIA Fundamentals Early Bird discount available
Track 2: Centring DEIA practices in the Employee Life Cycle
Registration to become a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP.D™) opens July 15.
This certification formalizes your professional experience in DEIA, highlighting your expertise to clients and employers. Leverage the only certification in Canada to prove that you have what it takes to advance DEIA and promote change.
Inclusion, Belonging, and the Future of Sport with Keph Senett and Kurt Weave
Sport can foster connection and community, but for many 2SLGBTQIA+ people, it has also been a source of exclusion. In this episode of Leader Talks, we are excited to welcome guest host Pangus Kung, Director, Initiatives and Engagement at CCDI. Pangus is joined by Keph Senett, writer and trustee for Pride House International, and Kurt Weaver, Executive Director of You Can Play Project, for a timely conversation about inclusion, participation, and the future of sport.
Together we are shaping more equitable workplaces, schools and communities through our Employer Partners, moving towards a truly inclusive Canada. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest Employer Partners.
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