inclusion charter to welcoming and
TRANSCRIPT
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
CENTRE FOR IMMIGRANT AND COMMUNITY SERVICESTogether with other participating organizations, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. CICS celebrates York Region’s growing and diverse population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity. Our commitment to inclusion enhances our ongoing work to facilitate the settlement and integration of newcomers as contributing members of our community through our diverse, professional, and excellent customer services.
Endorsed by:Tim Cheng
Chair, Board of DirectorsMoy Wong-Tam
Executive Director
This 16th day of May, 2018.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
THE CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONThe Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe Branch is committed to improving the mental health and well-being of those we serve and our communities. We value cultural competency as a critical element in providing the best service and work experience. We foster diversity and inclusion grounded in anti-racism and anti-oppression practices using a harm reduction and trauma informed lens.
• We demonstrate respect for each other, those we serve and their families and caregivers, through partnership, accountability and action.
• We build community by nurturing inclusivity with the belief that diversity is our strength, drives innovation and creates the conditions for better mental health.
• We commit to action to ensure everyone’s right to belong by embracing our individuality and identities and by valuing each persons’ unique strength and contributions.
Endorsed by:Monica Gaudry
President of the Board Rebecca Shields
CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association York Region Branch
This 29th day of October, 2018.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
JOB SKILLSTogether with other participating organizations, Job Skills is committed to taking action to achieve the vision
of the Charter in our organization and in the community.
Job Skills commits to creating an open, inclusive and supportive environment for all Clients, Partners, Volunteers
and Staff, where every person has the right to be treated in a respectful, equal, dignified and equitable manner.
We pledge to respect and welcome the unique characteristics and perspectives that make each individual who
they are. We are dedicated to providing meaningful and equitable opportunities for Volunteers and Staff.
We will ensure all Clients and Partners have full and equal access to our Programs and Services and feel
welcome to participate. Job Skills celebrates and values differences and believes that diversity and inclusion is
the key to service delivery excellence and achieving our mission of creating a more vibrant community.
Job Skills – Diverse and Inclusive to All
Endorsed by:Nella Iasci
Executive DirectorWayne Thiessen
Chairperson
This 4th day of December, 2018.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
BLUE DOORTogether with other participating organizations, Blue Door is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. At Blue Door, we embrace the diversity of our clients, staff, volunteers, funders and donors. As an organization, our Board, staff and volunteers reflect the diversity of our community. We strive to provide inclusivity for all, in every aspect of our work. We recognize and are committed to eliminating the stigma that is associated with being homeless. Blue Door values diversity and equity and seeks to promote fair treatment for all. To that end the Agency is committed to providing services that celebrate diversity and which promote equality of opportunity. As an employer, we are also committed to equity and valuing diversity within our workforce. Our goal is to ensure that these commitments, reinforced by our values, are embedded in our day to day working practices with our clients, colleagues and partners.
Endorsed by:Michael Braithwaite
CEOAmanda Palermo
HR Manager
This 5h day of September, 2019.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
CHATS – COMMUNITY & HOME ASSISTANCE TO SENIORSTogether with other participating organizations, CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors is committed to supporting York Region’s Inclusion Charter to make York Region an inclusive environment for all. We strive to be an organization that demonstrates empathy and respect in everything we do. We value creativity, accountability and collaboration in our efforts to be an innovative and valued partner in the healthcare system. Through the delivery of high-quality home and community services and experiences to our diverse client base, we work to support our organizational vision that older adults can live independently, safely and well at home.
Endorsed by:Christina Bisanz
CEOIan Hilley
Board Chair
This 25h day of September, 2019.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
THE YMCA OF GREATER TORONTOTogether with other participating organizations, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our Association and in the community.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto values diversity and social inclusion as the foundation of what we stand for and what we do. We regard the diversity of people and communities as assets and recognize their contribution to the social, political and cultural enrichment of our communities and our Association. As a socially inclusive charity, we strive to ensure that diverse individuals and communities give voice effectively to their issues, are involved in decision-making processes and have fair access to information and services. We also challenge specific forms of exclusion, including systemic barriers. We appreciate that our work on diversity and social inclusion is a lifelong journey of learning and change.
Endorsed by:Medhat Mahdy
President and CEORyan Brain Board Chair
This 1st day of November, 2019.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
THE JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF YORK REGIONTogether with other participating organizations, The John Howard Society of York Region (JHSYR) is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. JHSYR strives to promote effective, just, and humane treatment for all we engage with. Our core values position us to build programs that meet the varied needs of a growing diverse population; attract and retain the best talent; and foster progressive and responsible leadership.
Endorsed by:Christin Cullen
Executive Director
This 24th day of October 2019.
Effective, Just & Humane Responses to Crime, its Causes and Consequences
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
THE CENTRE FOR EDUCATION & TRAININGTogether with other participating organizations, The Centre for Education & Training is committed to taking action
to achieve the Charter’s vision in our organization and community we serve. The Centre for Education & Training is
committed to diversity and creating opportunities that empower people to achieve their full potential. We invite
client input; we recruit for skills, talent, and diverse perspectives; and we build a workplace and client service
atmosphere of respect and encouragement for all. Through our policies, practices and professional development,
we aim to increase awareness and reduce barriers so we can contribute to more innovative communities.
Endorsed by:Merv Hillier
Chief Executive Officer
This 16th day of July, 2019.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
NEWMARKET PUBLIC LIBRARYTogether with other participating organizations, Newmarket Public Library is committed to taking action to
achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and community.
Newmarket Public Library commits to nurturing and embracing diversity in creating an environment for
extraordinary public service. The library promotes equity, accessibility, and inclusion through our thoughts and
actions in support of our growing community. The Charter positions us to build our community together by
inspiring the growth of an engaged and informed Newmarket as the centre of community dialogue, debate
and discovery in dynamic and welcoming physical and virtual environments.
Endorsed by:Darcy McNeill
ChairTodd Kyle
Chief Executive Officer
This 20th day of November, 2019.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FOR CANADATogether with other participating organizations, Social Enterprise of Canada is committed to taking action
to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. Social Enterprise for Canada
envisions a community that exemplifies Canadian values, where all people realize their full potential, and have
the opportunity to belong in and contribute to a prosperous and inclusive society.
To this end, Social Enterprise for Canada together with other organizations is committed to the delivery of
critical public services to achieve the vision of the Charter and to continue to promote diversity as a source of
strength, vitality and economic opportunity.
Endorsed by:Patricia Cousins
CEO
This 26th day of October, 2019.
Social Enterprise for Canada Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES OF YORK REGIONTogether with other participating organizations, CCSYR is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of
the Charter in our organization and in the community. CCSYR acknowledges and accepts the rights and dignity
of every individual, practicing mutual respect in all we do.
CCSYR believes in serving people from diverse communities with sensitivity and care; ensuring everyone feels
respected, valued and appreciated. CCSYR acknowledges and respects diversity, loving our neighbor and
recognizing that together we create a better world.
Endorsed by:Gary Thompson
Board ChairTracey McGruthers Executive Director
This 29th day of September, 2020.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
YORK REGION ARTS COUNCILTogether with other participating organizations, York Region Arts Council (YRAC) is committed to taking action
to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community.
At YRAC, we believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are integral to a thriving arts and culture sector.
We are committed to increasing and improving diversity and inclusion in the arts, culture and tourism programs
and services sector, including access for under-served communities. Further, we are committed to ensuring that
governance and decision-making structures reflect the diverse communities that we serve.
Endorsed by:April Hoeller
ChairSergei Petrov
Executive Director
This 19th day of October, 2020.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
YORK UNIVERSITYYork University, alongside York Region and its partners, is committed to building a community that is equitable
and inclusive for all. Our vision is to provide a broad sociodemographic of students access to a high-quality
education at a research-intensive university committed to creating positive change in the communities we
serve. An exceptionally diverse community working together to tackle complex societal challenges, we commit
to take action to remove systemic barriers, celebrate the diversity of our community and to confront racism and
discrimination by building and actioning a pan-university Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to attract and
retain the best talent, and to inform our scholarship, research and creative activities.
Endorsed by:Rhonda L. Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor
This 14th day of October, 2020.
Atlanta
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community
organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies
with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play
here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society
and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes
human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all
people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
INCLUSIONCHARTER
OUR COMMITMENT
TO WELCOMING AND
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Newmarket Chamber of Commerce embraces the vision of the Charter in our organization. We believe in the benefits that diversity and equity bring and recognize that diversity of thought contributes to the formation of a strong organization. This is exemplified by:
• Nurturing a community where every individual is treated in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive manner;
• Valuing a diversity of voices and seeing the benefit that they contribute to creativity and innovation within the business community;
• Supporting organizations and businesses in addressing discrimination to foster a community where people feel welcome and are encouraged to contribute;
• Continuing to learn, promote, and educate our business community about the positive benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our commitment to promote these principles and to diligently act to effect change is unwavering. Embracing diversity in our organization and our community will help strengthen our ability to uphold our vision of a community where people and business thrive.
Endorsed by:Tracy Walter
President and CEOKyle Burgis, LL.B.
Chair
This 21st day of April, 2021.
Atlanta