Join us for an immersive experience as we explore the essential role of transdisciplinary approaches in DEIA and find valuable insights to guide your commitment to a more inclusive workplace.
As August arrives, I find myself reflecting on the pace and purpose of this season, a time when many of us are catching our breath, recharging, and taking stock. At CCDI, this has been a month of listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for what’s to come. One meaningful way we’ve embraced this is by supporting our team’s well-being through summer hours on Fridays. It’s a simple but powerful gesture that honours their commitment and care.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve continued my listening tour with CCDI’s staff, Employer Partners, and community collaborators. The openness and honesty in these conversations have been deeply meaningful. While progress in DEIA is being made, I’ve heard that it’s often uneven and met with new challenges. These reflections echo many of the themes in our latest organizational commitment statement, Holding the thread: Honouring resistance, reclaiming responsibility. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, I encourage you to do so.
It’s also been a pleasure to work closely with Anne-Marie Pham in her new role as CCDI’s Vice-President of Engagement, a position that reflects our continued focus on connection, collaboration, and values-based leadership.
Looking ahead, I’m eagerly anticipating our fall Community of Practice events, which will explore how transdisciplinary approaches to DEIA can help us build equitable futures rooted in complexity and shared transformation. And I’m inspired by our See Different sticker design contest, where youth are invited to express what belonging means to them. Can’t wait to see what they create!
Thank you for the work you do each day to create a more inclusive Canada. I look forward to what we’ll build together in the months ahead.
Warm regards,
Sartaj Sarkaria
Chief Executive Officer
Registration now open for the Fall 2025 Community of Practice events
We are thrilled to announce our sponsors for the in-person Community of Practice events in Edmonton, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.
Join us for an immersive experience as we explore the essential role of transdisciplinary approaches in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in building equitable futures.
Together, we will explore why transdisciplinary approaches in DEIA are both possible and essential for building equitable futures, where complexity is welcomed, multiple truths are acknowledged, and transformation is co-created and co-led.
Visit the event page to find the complete list of our Community of Practice virtual and in-person sessions and to register.
From reflection to action: Two anniversaries, one shared responsibility
This year marks two pivotal anniversaries that continue to shape Canada’s conversation about justice: five years since the murder of George Floyd and ten years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. In Holding the thread: Honouring resistance, reclaiming responsibility, CCDI reflects on the impact of both moments and asks: What have we done with the time since?
The statement calls attention to the rise in hate-fueled violence and harmful rhetoric across Canada and urges individuals and institutions alike to act with clarity and courage in building just, inclusive systems.
Calling all allies: sharing and learning from CCDI queer professionals
This blog examines the rising hostility faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Canada. Through the personal perspectives of four staff members who identify as queer, we experience the deeply personal reflections on allyship, identity, and the ongoing struggle for inclusion in Canadian workplaces. Their stories highlight the importance of active, everyday allyship and the courage required to create space for authenticity and safety.
We’re inviting youth across Canada (ages 15–26) to design a sticker that reflects one of our core values: Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, reconciliACTION.
Winners featured at the 2025 Changemaker Summit
$200 honorarium
Selected design printed nationwide
Winning artwork showcased with the See Different logo!
Recognize DEIA leadership: Nominations extended to August 15
CharityVillage has launched its annual nonprofit employer awards, and CCDI is proud to sponsor the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Award.
We are excited to share that the nomination deadline has been extended to August 15. If your organization is committed to DEIA and has a story to share, we encourage you to apply and be recognized for your important work.
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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