Diversity and Inclusion
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) aims to create a culture of inclusion that values difference and actively promotes full participation by all employees. Diversity and inclusion are needed to ensure improved service delivery that reflects and responds to the reality of Canadian society.
Below you will find various learning activities to help you improve your diversity and inclusion skills, which are organized into the following themes:
- Diversity in Canada and the federal government
- Including diversity in your daily life with an inclusive attitude
- Taking your learning to the next level
Many of the following learning activities are informal, so don’t forget to take credit for your learning by manually adding your learning activity (DOCX Version, 91 KB) to your learning history in Saba.
Diversity in Canada and the federal government
Gender, diversity and inclusion statistics
Statistics Canada provides a wealth of statistics on diversity and inclusion. Visit the Gender, diversity and inclusion statistics page for data on dimensions of diversity such as age, gender and sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples.
In the public service, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat collects data with the Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) to compile and distribute diversity and inclusion statistics.
To broaden the scope of anti-racism measures and improve representation at all levels, Treasury Board’s Directive on Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion requires deputy ministers to make a specific commitment to diversity and inclusion. This web page provides details on that commitment.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
2020/2021 Deputy Minister Commitments on Diversity and Inclusion
To broaden the scope of anti-racism measures and improve representation at all levels, Treasury Board’s Directive on Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion requires deputy ministers to make a specific commitment to diversity and inclusion. This web page provides details on that commitment.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Diversity and inclusion areas of focus for the public service
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat sets the Government of Canada’s diversity and inclusion priorities. Visit this page to familiarize yourself with those priorities.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Integrating diversity in your daily life with an inclusive attitude
Bridging the Diversity Gap
Diversity in the workplace gives an organization the advantage of a much broader perspective. A diverse workforce can offer important insights and opportunities for innovation in carrying out the mission of the organization. This course focuses on what diversity is, what diversity can bring to an organization and the barriers that must be overcome to create a diversified working environment.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web based
- Course ID:
- W003
Your Role in Workplace Diversity
Self-awareness is essential to fully appreciating diversity in the workplace and putting its benefits to use. It offers you a variety of strategies for participating effectively in a diverse workplace, as well as ways to share these strategies openly and use the existing diversity in your organization. In this course, you'll explore strategies to help you become aware of your attitudes toward diversity, increase your acceptance of diverse cultures, people and ideas, and become an advocate for diversity within the workplace.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web based
- Course ID:
- W004
Introduction to Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is an analytical process used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. The "plus" in GBA+ acknowledges that GBA+ goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences. We all have multiple identity factors that intersect to make us who we are; GBA+ also considers many other identity factors, like race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.
Once you have completed this course, you will be able to:
- Define the key concepts of GBA+
- Recognize how various identity factors can influence the experience of federal government initiatives
- Identify how GBA+ can enhance the responsiveness, effectiveness and outcomes of federal government initiatives.
- Apply some foundational GBA+ concepts and processes
- Duration:
- 2 hours
- Methodology:
- Web based
- Course ID:
- B001
Harassment and Violence Prevention for Employees
All Canadians deserve a place of work that is free from harassment and violence. This online self-paced course provides an overview of the Canada Labour Code, Part II, and the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulation, with a focus on the responsibilities of employees in the federal jurisdiction. Through examples and case studies, participants will acquire a basic understanding of the requirements and application of the Code and the Regulation, and learn how they can help prevent harassment and violence where they work.
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Methodology:
- Web based
- Course ID:
- W101
Management’s role in diversity at work
Diversity and inclusion learning path for executives
As a leader, you are in a unique position to shape your organization and build a stronger public service. You can demonstrate your commitment to workplace equity and values around diversity and inclusion by using the anti-racist tools and practices available to you and by applying the principles of GBA+, positive spaces, and accessibility.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading, courses, videos and job aids
- Course ID:
- N/A
EXecuTALK: Allyship and the Executive Ally
Awareness of the issues. This webinar explores the concept of "proactive allyship" as a lifelong journey. Our guest speakers will discuss behaviours that executives can demonstrate that might contribute to a culture of allyship, including ways to authentically acknowledge the problem of racial discrimination, admit mistakes, and engage in difficult conversations to advance collective learning, accountability and growth.
- Duration:
- 45 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video (recording of the event)
- Course ID:
- N/A
EXecuTALK: The Executive Sponsor: Making Room for New Voices
Awareness of the impact of our behaviours. In this EXecuTALK, speakers will share their personal experiences with sponsorship and how it positively impacted their careers. Executives will be invited to consider how they can leverage their unique position to support the professional growth of Black employees and other racialized employees and make space for new voices to thrive.
- Duration:
- 43 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video (recording of the event)
- Course ID:
- N/A
EXecuTALK: A special event - Building and Maintaining a Culture of Inclusion
A culture of inclusion. Join us as senior leaders share their experiences, insights and advice on how to enact meaningful change towards a culture of inclusion in the federal public service. Participants will discover how they can identify and help eliminate barriers to inclusion, tackle their own biases and limiting beliefs, and ensure that they are creating an environment where different perspectives are listened to and acted upon to improve programs, policies and services.
- Duration:
- 90 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video (recording of the event)
- Course ID:
- N/A
Inclusive Leadership Tools and Resources for Managers
National Managers Community (NMC) Ontario Newsletter. The National Managers' Community (NMC) was created in 2000 to support federal government managers as they deliver government programs and services, oversee human resources management, and report to executive leaders. The Ontario NMC hopes this newsletter provides useful information as well as helpful resources & tools to support leaders manage diversity and inclusion. The end goal is to strengthen inclusive leadership and end racism in our workplace.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Leading Diversity
Diversity is a fact of life in the modern marketplace and workforce. In this course, you'll learn skills to help you manage and leverage diversity for the benefit of the organization.
- Duration:
- 45 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web Based
- Course ID:
- X166
Facing the Management Challenges of Difficult Behavior and Diverse Teams
As a manager, it can be daunting to find yourself in charge of a diverse group, comprised of different age ranges, backgrounds, and experiences. It's inevitable that you'll encounter difficulties. Effectively handling conflict, whether it's team conflict or difficult employee behavior, is essential to productivity and requires developing conflict management skills. This course covers useful techniques and processes for conflict resolution. You'll learn methods for resolving conflict when dealing with an employee's difficult behavior. You'll also learn ways of effectively managing team conflict and understanding and dealing with conflict in the workplace as a whole.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web Based
- Course ID:
- X176
Employment Equity Under the Employment Equity Act
This course provides clear information on the application and legal obligations governing employment equity in the federal public service under the Employment Equity Act (EEA). It also presents the links between employment equity and other human resources disciplines, and addresses the duty to accommodate in the workplace.
This course is intended for advisors responsible for employment equity, human resources professionals, managers and all public service employees who are interested in employment equity.
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Methodology:
- Web Based
- Course ID:
- P745
Harassment and Violence Prevention for Managers and Committees/Representatives
Managers, workplace committee members, and health and safety representatives in the federal jurisdiction are expected to understand their responsibilities regarding the prevention of harassment and violence in their places of work. This online self-pace course focuses on the roles and duties of managers, workplace committee members, and health and safety representatives under the Canada Labour Code, Part II, and the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations. Participants will learn about their respective roles in workplace assessments, investigating and resolving occurrences, and other activities.
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Methodology:
- Web Based
- Course ID:
- W102
Harassment and Violence Prevention for Designated Recipients and Employers
Employers and designated recipients in the federal jurisdiction are expected to understand their responsibilities regarding the prevention of harassment and violence in their places of work. This online self-paced course focuses on the roles and duties of designated recipients and employer representatives under the Canada Labour Code, Part II, and the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations. Participants will gain a better understanding of how to develop an employer policy, investigate and resolve an occurrence, and evaluate harassment and violence prevention programs.
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Methodology:
- Web Based
- Course ID:
- W103
Leadership Reflection Series
The Leadership Reflection Series brings public service executives together for a rich virtual conversation led by a facilitator. The goal is to harness the collective intelligence and knowledge of the group around important current topics to better deal with emerging challenges.
Each reflection takes place in three stages:
- Individual reflection to be completed in the days leading up to the group conversation
- Group conversation to connect virtually with other executives interested in the same discussion topic
- Actions in the right direction to transfer the new knowledge you have acquired into the workplace
- Duration:
- 2 hours
- Methodology:
- Virtual Classroom
- Course ID:
- E315
Equity, diversity and inclusion public accountability and transparency requirements
This best practices guide provides advice on how to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in recruitment, hiring and retention policies and procedures.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Taking your learning to the next level
Luvvie Ajayi : Soyez à l'aise d'être mal à l'aise - TED
In this video, Luvvie Aja explains the importance of holding uncomfortable discussions to create change. Silence serves no one.
- Duration:
- 11 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Clint Smith: Le danger du Silence - TED
In this short speech, Clint Smith shows us the power of silence and how it destroys our society. He also explains how to fight injustice.
- Duration:
- 4 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Manager's Toolkit in Diversity Management
On this page you will find more than 20 resources and reference documents about diversities management. That includes employment equity, self-identification, evaluation of candidates who self-identifies as a member of an equity group and much more!
Gartner (CEB) Subscription Service (primarily English-only)
Did you know that you can further your understanding of diversity and inclusion through the Gartner (CEB) subscription service? To access a host of articles, discussions and events, all you need to do is:
- Create an account
- Search their catalogue with the keywords “diversity”, “inclusion”, and “equity”.
Gartner has a whole section specifically devoted to diversity in human resources: “Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council Classic.”
If you have questions about these offerings, contact your Learning Coordinator (XLSX Version, 24 KB) (NCR) or your Learning Centre (regions).