Hello everyone! To begin this month’s newsletter, I want to address the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. We here at CCDI mourn the tragedies and loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those impacted by recent and ongoing events. In these past few weeks, I've encountered challenging questions on how to address this conflict as a DEI leader. I firmly believe that our essential role is prioritizing humanity and inclusion.
This conflict affects our teams, highlighting the need to create space and be there for one another. I urge you to extend care to others, reach out to those who may be suffering, and offer your support. I encourage you to hear with an open mind and with empathy how this conflict impacts the sense of safety of those who are experiencing bias and hate based on antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiments. Let us remain vigilant in our shared commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights.
As part of this ongoing inclusion work, I will be taking part in the 6th Metropolis Identities Summit as a panelist for the November 3 plenary session entitled “Immigration, Identities and Citizenship’. In the last century, declining citizenship rates, eroding trust in democratic institutions, and increased reflection on historical injustices have raised concerns about Canada's equity and inclusivity. Despite these challenges, both immigrants and non-immigrants maintain a strong attachment to Canada. This session will delve into fostering a shared 'Canadian-ness' and the intricacies of Canadian identities as we welcome a growing number of newcomers.
In recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, our November podcast episode of Leaders Talks will feature the Chair of CCDI’s Board of Directors, Marni Panas. We will delve into her career dedicated to creating safer, more welcoming and inclusive workplaces and communities. We will also discuss how her advocacy work led to the inclusion of gender identity and expression as a protected human right for individuals at the provincial and federal levels in Canada, and how we can all work in allyship to address the recent anti-trans movement across the country.
Lastly, I will invite you to join us for the final virtual sessions of the fall 2023 Community of Practice events. We have received a lot of wonderful feedback from attendees, expressing their appreciation for the highly-interactive and collaborative sessions. Join us November 7 (French session) and November 8 (English session) to learn more about how you can develop and implement impactful DEI strategies
I hope you all have a fantastic November, and I’ll see you next month!
Thanks,
Anne-Marie Pham
CEO
Stand out as a certified DEI professional and drive positive change
There is growing interest and a significant shift in corporate thinking towards the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Organizations are increasingly realizing that by embracing diversity and promoting an inclusive workplace culture, they gain access to a multitude of perspectives, experiences, and talents, fostering innovation and creativity. DEI professionals play a pivotal role in guiding inclusive work environment, identifying and addressing biases, and developing sustainable strategies to dismantle systemic barriers in the transformative journey to inclusivity. Certification in DEI grants professionals a formal recognition of their knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are excited to announce that registration for the spring 2024 Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP™) program will open on November 14. The CCIP certification, Canada's first and only program of its kind, was developed in collaboration with industry leaders and experts. It features rigorous standards to ensure CCIP holders present themselves as highly-qualified professionals.
This esteemed certification provides a formal and standardized acknowledgement that speaks volumes to employers and clients, underscoring your commitment to fostering a more equitable future and reflecting the evolving landscape of corporate priorities.
Fostering a more inclusive and respectful Canada requires collective commitment and action. We are inspired by our Employer Partners’ initiatives and hope to encourage one another through their impactful work.
Home Hardware, the Canadian retailer, has made significant strides in creating an inclusive work environment and fostering a sense of belonging among team members through its Inclusion@Home program. Established over two years ago, this program focuses on raising awareness of different dimensions of diversity each month. From Black history to 2SLGBTQI+ Pride, Home Hardware ensures its employees are educated and aware of various marginalized groups. The program also features inclusiveness competencies tied to performance, emphasizing accountability in the company's diversity and inclusion strategy. Additionally, their reconciliation efforts are guided through various partnerships, including collaborating with an Indigenous artist to raise funds to support residential school survivors. Home Hardware's Inclusion@Home program exemplifies their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. They are poised to make a lasting impact with their ongoing initiatives and partnerships.
We thank Home Hardware for their commitment to DEI and look forward to highlighting more Employer Partner initiatives in the future.
CCDI resources
The 2024 Diversity Calendar
Start planning your 2024 initiatives with the 2024 Diversity Calendar. It is your essential resource with ethnic, cultural, faith, religious, and community days, weeks and months of observances, holidays, and obligations. The complete calendar is available to Employee Partners for download in PDF format and ICS upload directly to online calendars. We will continue to highlight days of observance each month in our monthly newsletter.
Employee Resource Group Toolkit
Empower your employee resource group to drive change, foster inclusion and achieve results with the revised CCDI Toolkit: Employee Resource Groups – A toolkit for creating and sustaining effective ERGs. Download the updated ERG toolkit.
Domestic violence awareness resource guide
November is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Canada. This commemorative month aims to promote education and prevention, support survivors, and advocate for policies to combat domestic violence. Download the Domestic violence awareness resource guide.
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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