As we welcome May, we have a special opportunity to honour the transformative impact of diverse communities that continue to shape our collective story.
This month, I am proud to host a panel discussion in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. Together with inspiring leaders, we’ll explore perseverance, identity, belonging, and the many ways Asian Canadians have shaped Canada’s cultural and social fabric. Join us for this meaningful conversation.
I am also pleased to join a panel on “Dismantling DEI: The Situation in Canada” on May 1. Alongside the Hon. Andrew Cardozo and Seeta Ramdass, we will explore the growing backlash against DEIA initiatives across Canada, its connections to developments in the United States, and strategies to sustain DEIA’s positive impact across sectors.
I invite you to read a personal reflection I recently shared: a blog marking 50 years since the Fall of Saigon. As a Vietnamese Canadian, this anniversary holds deep meaning for me as a moment to honour the courage of those who sought safety and freedom, and the compassion of Canadians who opened their arms and hearts to refugees. Read the blog.
This month also marks Jewish Heritage Month, and I’m thrilled to highlight our community partnership with the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). We are proud to support "Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.", an extraordinary and deeply moving presentation that explores the history of Auschwitz and its enduring lessons for humanity. This powerful exhibition brings together more than 700 original artifacts to tell the story of the Holocaust and the vital importance of remembrance. If you are in the Toronto area, I encourage you to visit and reflect on these important stories. Learn more about the exhibition.
Through remembrance, learning, and action, we move toward a more inclusive future. I hope you will engage with these important opportunities for learning and reflection this month.
With gratitude,
Anne-Marie Pham
CEO
Our latest podcast continues the new series, Inclusion Table Talks, which is included in our regular programming. In this episode, Anne-Marie Pham speaks with Jake Stika, Executive Director at Next Gen Men, about men's essential role in the DEIA ecosystem. Jake reminds us of the damaging impact of perpetuating our patriarchal system and how his organization is actively working to include men and boys not only for allyship but also as benefactors whose life experiences are valued and important.
Jake emphasizes the need to recognize how the active exclusion of men has negatively affected their roles and contributions within DEIA efforts and shares insights into reframing this narrative for true inclusion.
Listener discretion advised: This episode contains a brief discussion of Jake’s personal story, which touches on sensitive topics including substance use, depression, self-harm, bullying, and suicide. These references occur between 6:10 and 7:55. If you find these topics distressing, we encourage you to pause, skip this section, or seek professional support as needed.
May is Jewish Heritage Month, a time to honour the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Canadians, while reflecting on the community’s enduring legacy through profound challenges. We take this opportunity to highlight our newest community partnership with the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) and the unprecedented exhibition, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away., on display now through September 1.
This powerful exhibition explores Auschwitz as both a physical site of the largest documented mass murder in history and a symbol of the far-reaching impact of hatred and human atrocity. By reflecting on the past, visitors are invited to witness and consider their role in creating a more inclusive and just society.
Anti-Asian racism is deeply rooted in history and continues to impact communities today. From exclusionary laws like the Chinese Head Tax and the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, these systemic and interpersonal forms of discrimination highlight the need for awareness and action.
Anti-Asian racism: A guided learning journey
This comprehensive learning tool approaches anti-Asian racism through an intersectional and DEIA lens, highlighting how race, ethnicity, gender, and other social factors shape these experiences.
This guide provides historical and contextual perspectives, fosters critical thinking, and encourages meaningful conversations about anti-Asian racism.
This powerful tribute highlights Canada's outstanding humanitarian efforts during the Vietnamese refugee crisis of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Canada welcomed over 60,000 Southeast Asian refugees, with more than half arriving through private sponsorships by Canadian citizens and community groups. The blog reflects on this pivotal moment in Canadian history, emphasizing the nation's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and humanitarian values.
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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