Equity, diversity and inclusion learning path for executives

On this page

• Definition of diversity and inclusion
• How the School can support you
  • Awareness of the issues
  • Awareness of the impact of our behaviours
  • A culture of inclusion
• Additional definitions
• Additional resources

Definition of equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity: Fairness, impartiality, even-handedness. A distinct process of recognizing differences within groups of individuals, and using this understanding to achieve substantive equality in all aspects of a person's life.

A diverse workforce in the public service is made up of individuals who have an array of identities, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, skills, perspectives and experiences that are representative of Canada's current and evolving population.

An inclusive workplace is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. It recognizes, values and leverages differences in identities, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, skills, experiences and perspectives that support and reinforce Canada's evolving human rights framework.

How the School can support you

To support you in building and strengthening a culture of diversity and inclusion, the School offers the following learning path:

• Awareness of the issues
• Awareness of the impact of our behaviours
• A culture of inclusion

Below are resources for each of the three phases to assist you in developing the awareness and competencies required for a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We recommend that you bookmark this page and visit it regularly to learn about new events and resources.

Additional definitions

Barrier

An overt or covert obstacle which must be overcome for equality and progress to be possible.

Source: Canadian Race Relations Foundation Glossary of Terms

Privilege

The experience of unearned freedoms, rights, benefits, advantages, access and/or opportunities afforded some people because of their group membership or social context.

Source: Canadian Race Relations Foundation Glossary of Terms

Racism

Racism is a belief that one group is superior to others performed through any individual action, or institutional practice which treats people differently because of their colour or ethnicity. This distinction is often used to justify discrimination. There are three types of racism: Institutional, Systemic, and Individual.

Source: Canadian Race Relations Foundation Glossary of Terms

Systemic racism

This is an interlocking and reciprocal relationship between the individual, institutional and structural levels which function as a system of racism. These various levels of racism operate together in a lockstep model and function together as a whole system. These levels are:

• Individual (within interactions between people)
• Institutional (within institutions and systems of power)
• Structural or societal (among institutional and across society)

Source: Canadian Race Relations Foundation Glossary of Terms

Additional resources

• Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service
• 2020/2021 Deputy Minister Commitments on Diversity and Inclusion
• Anti-Racism Event Series
• Anti-Racism Learning Series
• Building a Diverse and Inclusive Public Service: Final Report of the Joint Union/Management Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion
• Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy
• Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat