Positive Space Initiative (PSI) – FAQ

A Positive Space is a welcoming and respectful place for everyone—a place where people who identify as LGBTQ2+ feel safe and able to be themselves, and a place where normative assumptions are challenged and diversity is celebrated. A key element of Positive Space is training, most significantly Positive Space Ambassador training. Positive Space Ambassadors are trained volunteers who promote inclusion and raise awareness by displaying Positive Space identifiers such as pins and display cards.

• Increase inclusion and respect for LGBTQ2+ identified people.
• Provide support to employees who are dealing with LGBTQ2+-related issues.
• Enhance understanding and integration of Public Service and ESDC values.
• Encourage the recruitment and retention of a diverse and representative workforce.
• Train and equip Ambassadors with resources and information.
• Support the expansion of Positive Space within the federal public service and with community partners.

The ESDC Employee Pride Network is the identified lead for the Positive Space Initiative at ESDC, and works collaboratively with Human Resources Services Branch to fulfill its mandate, including the training roll-out. The ESDC Employee Pride Network was established in May 2016, with the mandate to provide a safe forum for LGBTQ2+ employees and their allies to connect and discuss issues related to the promotion of a healthy and inclusive work environment.

Canada is recognized as a leader in LGBTQ2+ human rights; discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation are prohibited by federal and provincial legislation. Yet, many gender and sexually diverse people continue to experience discrimination, harassment and even violence in Canada.

ESDC is committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce and to ensuring a respectful environment for everyone. Public servants have obligations under the ESDC Code of Conduct, including Respect for People. In this spirit, ESDC has embraced Positive Space to ensure LGBTQ2+ identified people feel included.

Public Service Employee Survey results and anecdotal reports (from members of the ESDC Employee Pride Network, and others) suggest employees continue to experience disrespectful and harassing behaviours in the workplace. The ESDC Positive Space Initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to address this problem.

The Treasury Board Secretariat sponsored pilot Positive Space training in 2013 with support from the Ontario Public Service Pride Network. The first pilot sessions for Positive Space Ambassador training at ESDC began in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal in early 2017, with a goal of having 100 Positive Space Ambassadors in those locations by end of Fiscal Year 2016-2017. By end of Fiscal Year 2017-2018, the objective is to have 300-400 Positive Space Ambassadors in workplaces across the Department. By the time the Positive Space Initiative is fully implemented in 2018-2019, the goal was to have 700-800 Ambassadors across the Department, with at least one Ambassador in every ESDC workplace. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, goals for further training have been placed on hold for the time being.

In consultations held with members of the ESDC Employee Pride Network, colleagues in towns and small cities across the country spoke passionately of how important the Positive Space Initiative is to them. In large urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa, there are significant community resources to support LGBTQ2+ persons. However, this is not always the case in smaller urban centres and towns. Having trained Positive Space Ambassadors who can act as peer-support and a resource to all ESDC employees, where they work, is a significant benefit of the Positive Space Initiative.

Training is offered to all interested employees, with approval from their supervisor, through the College@ESDC (ILMS-SABA). The four hour in-person training sessions are delivered in all the regions and to all levels and classifications.

Positive Space Ambassadors are trained volunteers who wear and post identifiers to give the initiative visibility. As role models, they speak positively about gender and sexual diversity. Positive Space Ambassadors promote diversity awareness and inclusion with a focus on the LGBTQ2+ community. They also offer confidential peer support and make referrals when appropriate. Positive Space Ambassadors are not expected to be counsellors or experts; rather, they are peers committed to making ESDC a safe and inclusive place for everyone. As with any other volunteer role, Ambassadors will need to balance their ambassador role with their work duties.

Positive Space Ambassadors will be identified by a bilingual “Positive Space Ambassador” graphic identifier outside of their workstation. As the Positive Space Ambassador training rolls out, more Ambassadors will become available in workplaces across the country. If you are looking for a Positive Space Ambassador in your workplace or near you, please contact the ESDC Employee Pride Network at NA-ReseauNetwork_FIERTE-PRIDE-GD.

A GCconnex group has been created for Positive Space Ambassadors to communicate with each other and discuss issues related to their role in a safe space. In addition, a Positive Space Ambassador may always contact the ESDC Employee Pride Network at NA-ReseauNetwork_FIERTE-PRIDE-GD should they have a question or concern.

On-line LGBTQ2+ awareness training is currently being developed for all ESDC employees and will also eventually be available through the College@ESDC. It is anticipated this training will be available through ILMS-SABA by the end of Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

You may contact the ESDC Employee Pride Network directly
NA-ReseauNetwork_FIERTE-PRIDE-GD or join the GConnex group.