The University of Toronto has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the 14th consecutive year. The competition, run annually by Mediacorp and The Globe and Mail, recognizes employers that have exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. Successful applicants are chosen for noteworthy and unique initiatives through a comparison of applicants from the same industry.
“The University is committed to building an intentionally diverse, equitable and inclusive working environment that engages and supports our community”, says Karima Hashmani, U of T’s Executive Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). “This award recognizes our efforts to create initiatives, programs and systemic change, all of which require time, collective responsibility and a shift in culture.”
To that end, Vice-President of Human Resources and Equity Kelly Hannah-Moffat presented the 2019 Employment Equity Annual Report to Governing Council’s Business Board on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. The document provides a snapshot of the composition of the University’s tri-campus community and information about recruitment, promotions and departures of employees between January 2019 to December 2019. The 2020 Employment Equity Annual Report will be published in June 2021.
The 2021 diversity award spotlights U of T’s ongoing recruitment of equity-deserving groups including women, Indigenous, racialized persons, those with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ communities. Featured recruitment initiatives include U of T’s Diversity Internship in Human Resources & Equity, a program for Human Resources graduates who self-identify as Indigenous, racialized, or persons with disabilities. U of T’s participation in Indigenous Career Fair, an event hosted by Prince’s Charities Canada – Our Children’s Medicine Indigenous Youth Employment Initiative (PCC/ OCM), was also highlighted. The networking event mentors Indigenous youth to prepare for and enter the labour market.
“Systemic change is necessary”, says Hashmani. “It requires innovative and ongoing work to embed EDI into our practices and processes.”
The University continues to advance a multi-faceted and strategic approach to achieve its institutional diversity and inclusion goals. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) Conference, which takes place on March 19, 2021, plays a critical part in furthering engagement, dialogue and strategy with the university community, in its ongoing effort to eliminate racial discrimination. All interested parties are invited to attend.
U of T’s Equity Offices, Division of Human Resources & Equity and divisional equity partners provide a wide range of equity materials for the University community. These include resources, training and programming that address equity issues and build awareness of the actions we can all take to ensure our learning and working environments are inclusive and supportive.
A full list of U of T’s Equity-related supports is available on the Human Resources & Equity website.