Diversity and Inclusion

City Council's new Diversity and Inclusion Policy defines ‘diversity’ as the full range of human

difference, which of course includes ethnicity, age, race and sexual orientation and many other

attributes of our citizens. The City's Diversity and Inclusion Branch is working with all City

departments to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce that provides inclusive services to

all Edmontonians. I also want to tell you about some exciting initiatives led by the Branch that

have a particularly strong community focus:

Racism Free Edmonton is a City of Edmonton and partners’ initiative that brings together major

institutions and community organizations in a collaborative effort to create a more inclusive,

respectful and welcoming city. Through a public involvement process, Edmontonians told City

Council that the most important areas for change are education, employment, housing, justice

and policing, media and youth. Council approved an Action Plan based on this input. In March

2010, Racism Free Edmonton will host its first Summit, bringing together Edmontonians who

have been affected by racism and those who want to work for change, including committed

institutional leaders. All are welcome. For further information contact

building of relationships between the City and Aboriginal people. Office staff provide City

employees helpful links with the Aboriginal community and similarly help the community link

with the right City business units and City services. The Office produces a yearly newsletter that

highlights the work of the City with the Aboriginal community and the bi-annual “Guide to

Aboriginal Edmonton” for use by newcomers and Aboriginal service agencies as well as other

will be organized on the basis of Ward and Transportation boundaries to make it useable by local

community groups and City staff alike, for service and other planning purposes. For more

(780) 944-7602.

In spring 2005 City Council approved its Immigration and Settlement Initiative, and two years

later approved the Immigration and Settlement Policy that generates initiatives helpful to new

comers to our city. This includes two welcoming engagements each year called Community

Gatherings. The Gatherings allow City staff to hear from new Edmontonians about the issues

and challenges they face, consider ways the City may assist them and ways to improve services

we provide. The Gatherings also allow City staff to provide information about current City

initiatives and services of interest to new Edmontonians; and to strengthen relationships with

immigrant and refugee organizations, settlement agencies, ethno-cultural groups and

organizations through which newcomers receive vital services and support. The next

Community Gathering is Saturday, December 5, 2009, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at City Hall.