Creating EDI statements

At Example Organization, we recognize, appreciate, and value the diversity of our community. We strive for inclusion and equity in our employment practices and service delivery. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that represents and values the diverse cultures within our community and the broader communities of British Columbia and Canada.

This EDI statement/policy outlines the policies and procedures that promote EDI values and guide our practices to foster a diverse, barrier-free, equitable, and welcoming working environment for all current and future staff and stakeholders. We commit to identifying, preventing, and eliminating gender and diversity gaps in our workplace. We are also committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination and harassment in all its forms. We aim to challenge unconscious bias, gender bias, performance bias, affinity bias, and confirmation bias in all our practices.

This policy empowers all our employees, customers, and suppliers, whether working from the office or remotely, to achieve their full potential in an environment characterized by equity, trust, belonging, and opportunity. This policy does not interfere with related legislation or the rights and obligations specified in individual employment contracts.

Equity vs. equality: Equality means each individual or group is given the same resources or opportunities, regardless of their different circumstances and needs. Equity recognizes that each person has different needs and allocates tailored resources and opportunities to achieve an overall equal outcome.  
 

Diversity vs. inclusion: Diversity is the presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes, both visible and invisible, within a group, organization, or society. Genuine inclusion means having a diversity of people involved, respected, heard, and trusted by the business.  
 

Unconscious bias: Implicit bias is the unintentional and unconscious ways in which we make judgments and decisions based on incomplete information, favouring one thing over another.  
 

Gender bias: The tendency to prefer one gender over another, which occurs when individuals unconsciously attribute certain attitudes and stereotypes to others, affecting how they understand and engage with them.

Strategic community investment: Example Organization supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. By appreciating and understanding local languages and cultural practices, we strive to demonstrate our respect for the unique cultural, geographic, and legal environments in which we operate. We acknowledge that historical and systemic inequalities continue to hinder individuals' ability to participate fully, freely, and equitably within corporate settings. We strive to ensure our actions do not hinder anyone's ability to access and succeed within our organization.  
 

Progressive human resources practices: We honor equity in employment through the provisions of the Human Rights Code. We recognize the potential consequences of bias in hiring practices and dedicate our efforts to impartiality and fairness. We aim to provide an inclusive and accommodating recruitment, hiring, and onboarding experience where everyone feels welcomed, equitably treated, accommodated, and able to achieve their full potential. We seek to attract a diverse workforce that represents our communities and work with community partners to support the employment needs of underrepresented equity-seeking groups. We value unique lived and professional experiences through merit-based employment eligibility criteria.  
 

Accessibility, accommodation & mental wellbeing: We strive to ensure an accommodating and accessible experience for employees and clients with any form of disability. The Accessible B.C. Act, effective June 2021, along with the BC Human Rights Code, guides our efforts to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility. The B.C. Human Rights Code protects people with disabilities from discrimination, allowing them to file complaints with the BC Human Rights Tribunal if necessary.