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- March 14, 2025: Diversity and Inclusion Update
March 14, 2025: Diversity and Inclusion Update
DEI progress is at risk 📉 as the job market stalls—employers must act now to build inclusive teams and secure long-term success.
Shauna Cole
March 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
In partnership with
Lately, it feels like we’ve been stuck in a streak of bad luck. But with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, could a change of fortune be on the way?
Canada’s trade war with its U.S. besties threatens everything from the economy to jobs and inclusion, while protests on International Women’s Day highlighted ongoing fights for equality.
Many employers remain committed to inclusion, as shown by the announcement of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. Progress is still happening and those pushing for equity aren’t slowing down.
The Good 😃
Energy companies embrace diversity to achieve net zero goals
Inclusive hiring is key to Australia’s transition to net zero, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, driving economic growth, and building a more sustainable future.
(ABC News)
Jobless rate remains at 6.6% as population growth slows
While a steady jobless rate may signal economic uncertainty, it also provides an opportunity to strengthen diversity and inclusion efforts. Employers facing a slower hiring market can focus on building inclusive recruitment strategies and ensuring equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups.
By prioritizing inclusion now, businesses can create a more resilient and diverse workforce, positioning themselves for long-term success when job growth rebounds.
(CBC News)
Gif by creative-courage on Giphy
Canada’s Best Diversity Employers Announced
Employers are evaluated on initiatives for underrepresented groups, including women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and factors like neurodiversity and newcomer support. Assessments cover recruitment, retention, training, education, and leadership accountability.
The Bad 🙁
The Decline of Reconciliation in Arts and Culture
Reconciliation in Canada’s arts sector has faded into tokenism - land acknowledgments without real structural change. This backslide weakens trust and reinforces power imbalances. The same risk applies to Corporate Canada, where performative inclusion efforts can erode credibility and stall progress.
Canadian businesses must decide: Will they commit to real, lasting change, or will they follow a path of empty gestures that leave underrepresented communities behind?
Protests on International Women’s Day
This highlight ongoing global struggles for gender equality, showing that many governments still fail to address critical issues like gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and restrictive laws. The need for mass demonstrations suggests slow progress, with some countries even rolling back women's rights.
In places like Turkey and Poland, government policies continue to limit freedoms, forcing women to fight for basic protections.
Canada-U.S. Trade War Threatens DEI Progress
A Canada-U.S. trade war could undermine diversity, equity and inclusion progress by shifting business priorities, reducing opportunities for marginalized workers, and weakening corporate commitments to equity.
Without intentional efforts to protect diversity, equity and inclusion, economic uncertainty could slow or even reverse progress in building a more inclusive workforce.
The Myth of the Leprechaun’s Pot of Gold 🌈 🍀
The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is a legend tied to leprechauns and St. Patrick’s Day folklore. According to the myth, leprechauns hide their pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Since a rainbow has no fixed end, the treasure is impossible to find, symbolizing the pursuit of something elusive or magical.
The Take 💡
One night, I was lying in bed worrying that we might be heading toward war. I thought of my two sons, and before I knew it, my intrusive thoughts - fuelled by social media - had taken me to a place where I was waving goodbye to my boys, who were heading to battle. They’re 8 and 11 years old, by the way.
The next day I deleted social apps from my phone...
We all have a responsibility to stay informed about current events and make sure to speak our truth. But we've got to figure out how to do it in a way that's helpful and not harmful to our mental health.
I had the opportunity to share my perspective on CBC. I spoke about the importance of saying ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ instead of just ‘DEI’. Because those words really matter.
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, maybe we’re the truly lucky ones - those of us who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As for those who don’t value inclusion, I’d say they’re really unlucky - missing out on the real gold at the end of the rainbow.
That elusive gold fortune is a world where inclusion thrives and differences are celebrated for all the good they bring.
Diversity and inclusion, always.
Shauna
👋🏽 I’m Shauna Cole. Founder of hirediverse.ca, Canada’s inclusive job board.
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