February 28, 2025: Diversity and Inclusion Update

DEI Cuts at a Crown Corp., International Wheelchair Day and Making a Difference

Author

Shauna Cole
February 27, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

For many Canadians, it’s been a long, cold winter—in more ways than one. The world feels colder too, as conversations around inclusion grow more uncertain, and progress seems harder to hold onto.

The Good 😃

Time to Celebrate 🎉

International Wheelchair Day - March 1

International Wheelchair Day is a time for wheelchair users to recognize the positive impact their wheelchair has on their lives. It’s also an opportunity for organizations to reflect on how they can create a more accessible workplace.

Consider eliminating common accessibility barriers like; steps without ramps, narrow sidewalks, doorways, or aisles.

International Women’s Day - March 8

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women and girls. This year’s theme is Accelerate Action and emphasizes the need for continued progress.

Keep Saying ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’, Stop Saying DEI

Saying diversity, equity, and inclusion keeps the conversation focused on real change, not empty rhetoric.  You have to admit, saying you oppose “DEI” sounds far less triggering than outright stating you are against diversity and inclusion.

Read more on the topic What is DEI? 

Statistics Canada Launches Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub

This is now the central resource for all data related to gender, diversity, and inclusion. The platform makes it easier to access disaggregated and intersectional data, along with key insights and analytical reports for free. Access reports like;

The Bad 🙁

Canadian Companies Scaling Back Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Many Canadian organizations are quietly reducing their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by cutting positions, rebranding initiatives, or scaling back funding. This shift aligns with a broader political pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

DEI Lead Cut at Alberta Investment Management Corporation

AIMCo, the Crown corporation managing $160 billion in provincial government investments, recently eliminated 19 roles in "non-investment areas," including its sole Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leadership position.

University of Alberta Phases Out ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ Terminology Altogether

The University of Alberta has announced it will no longer use the language or framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Instead, it has introduced a new term: Access, Community, and Belonging.

Source: CBC News

The Take 💡

In many ways, life carries on as usual, even as conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion shift in the news and public conversations. There are positive developments—new research in Canada, the launch of the Inclusion Hub, and the celebration of International Wheelchair Day to recognize accessibility challenges.

But it’s hard to ignore the concerning signs—a Crown corporation cutting inclusion initiatives in today’s political climate. Decision-makers had to know this move would send a message far beyond just cost-saving.

It’s been a long, cold winter…both literally and figuratively. But spring is coming, I hope. 

Diversity and inclusion, always.

Shauna

👋🏽 I’m Shauna Cole. Founder of hirediverse.ca, Canada’s inclusive job board.

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