I had a fantastic trip to Europe a couple weeks ago, where I got to immerse myself in French culture by revisiting my childhood home, taking in the sights (the carousel is still there!) and reconnecting with a close friend I hadn’t see in over 30 years. I also took the opportunity to enjoy all the pastries I wanted, including the final Nutella crepe with banana and strawberries before I headed back to Canada, reinvigorated and ready to get back to work. À la prochaine, mes ami·e·s!
First, I’m thrilled to announce that CCDI will be taking part in the Canadian HR Awards on September 20! Our National Lead of Partner Relations, Pangus Kung, will be presenting the CCDI Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, which recognizes an organization that has DEI at the heart of its business, providing programs for employees from five groups, including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous People, and the 2SLGBTQI+ community. We hope to see you there!
Second, I sit down with Mike Casia (Managing Director of Organon Canada) and Sharlene Rutherford (President and CEO of Alberta Women’s Health Foundation) for this month’s episode of Leader Talks. We discuss the ongoing importance of working towards better gender equity in Canada, and the role that organizations play in advocating for a more equitable healthcare system. The episode will be released to coincide with Gender Equality Week (September 24-30), so keep an eye out for it in your preferred podcast platform or by visiting https://ccdi.ca/podcast/.
Last, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed September 30, an important day to commemorate the history and legacies of residential schools, and to explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. To honour this work towards true reconciliation, I invite you to explore the offerings listed below, including our resource guides and our webinar on moving from reconciliation to reconciliACTION.
I hope you all have a fantastic month, and I’ll see you in October!
Thanks,
Anne-Marie Pham
CEO
Fall 2023 theme: Operationalizing DEI: Identifying challenges and finding a way forward
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals are pivotal in shaping organizations to bring about meaningful change. They are responsible for conceiving, implementing, and driving initiatives that create inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and heard. However, they often encounter obstacles when implementing DEI solutions. Whether it's resistance to change, a lack of understanding, or deeply ingrained biases, DEI professionals must navigate this complex web of challenges and find innovative solutions to deliver results.
To provide a unique opportunity to convene and share insights, CCDI has established the Community of Practice Event. This initiative aims to facilitate open discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among those committed to the cause of DEI. It serves as a platform where practitioners can collectively tackle issues and share their experiences on the path towards more inclusive organizations.
Registrations for CCDI's Fall 2023 Community of Practice events are now open! These interactive workshops will take place from October 3 to November 9, hosting virtual sessions as well as in-person events in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax.
Whether you prefer the in-person networking experience or the convenience of virtual participation, there is an option tailored to your preferences. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to engage with fellow DEI professionals, enhance your knowledge, and contribute to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In the dynamic landscape of 2022, our unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive and harmonious Canada has been resoundingly evident. Through the synergy of purpose-driven initiatives, steadfast support, and a resolute dedication to catalyzing change, we have propelled forward with remarkable strides.
This comprehensive report stands as a testament to our transformative journey—a journey marked by the introduction of ingenious undertakings, a deliberate rebranding that reflects our developing mission, and an empowerment of young individuals who are now motivated to lead DEI endeavors within their educational establishments and local communities.
Celebrating over 700 Employer Partners, we're leading the charge toward inclusivity. Our multi-faceted approach, melding astute thought leadership, robust research, immersive education, and purposeful action, has illuminated the path forward, dispelling the shadows of ignorance and intolerance.
Surveying our triumphs, we humbly acknowledge that this journey is not solitary, but a collective expedition to reshape conventions and amplify the clarion call for change. In a world where inclusivity is not an abstract concept, but an embodied reality, our resolve remains steadfast. We persistently nurture an inclusive Canada, weaving a tapestry of togetherness that future generations will proudly inherit.
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, dedicated to acknowledging residential and day schools' profound and ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. On this day, we remember those who never returned home, pay tribute to survivors, and extend our thoughts to their families.
CCDI takes immense pride in our formal partnership with Indigenous Works, leading experts in this domain with a mandate to improve the inclusion and engagement of Indigenous individuals in the Canadian economy. Through our collaboration, we can offer our Employer Partners and clients an array of services aimed at fostering the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and nurturing a deeper understanding of our role in reconciliation.
Below, we provide valuable resources to inspire ideas and help to bring about understanding.
We work closely with employers because we know that when the workplace is inclusive, positive effects are felt by the broader community. Join us in welcoming the latest addition to our unparalleled Employer Partner roster.
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