Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Fostering a strong and inclusive region

Having a sense of belonging is critical to our personal and collective success. Who we are in terms of our cultural identity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religious affiliation, age, etc. helps to shape our life experiences. It is important that the Region of Durham is a place where diversity is embraced and each one of us is valued and included. Creating a strong sense of belonging helps us harness individual differences in ways that drive leadership, co-operation, innovation and service excellence.

Our organization will strengthen diversity and inclusion by focusing on four goals and areas for improvement:

1. Improve our understanding of diversity and deepen everyone’s commitment to inclusion.

2. Strengthen diversity and inclusion within our organizational culture.

3. Engage staff in diversity and inclusion efforts, and foster opportunities for leadership, advancement and employee development.

4. Identify and address barriers to inclusion in the delivery of Regional programs and services.

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

We are currently located on land, which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange among the Mississauga Peoples, and is the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. We honour, recognize, and respect this nation and Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters on which we meet today. 

Addressing anti-Black racism in Durham 

The development of an Anti-Black Racism Pillar at The Regional Municipality of Durham calls for key priorities of the Anti-Black Racism Pillar to be identified by the Region’s diverse community of employees. 

As one of the core values of the Region is inclusivity, the Anti-Black Racism Pillar’s aim is to assist the Region in moving towards healing from past hurt and advancing towards long-term systemic change for all.