February 1, 2022 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
Diversity is Canada’s strength, and the Government of Canada is committed to creating more diverse and inclusive work environments where every Canadian has a fair and equal chance to reach their full potential. To mark the beginning of Black History Month, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour, highlighted projects that aim to remove barriers to employment for members of the Black community. The projects are funded through the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE) grants and contributions program.
Black Business Initiative received funding for the Removing Barriers to Equity in the Banking Sector project, which strives to increase representation and access to management opportunities for Black Canadians in the banking sector.
To better understand the barriers that contribute to the under-representation of Black Canadians in senior management in the banking sector, the Federation of Black Canadians will engage with federally regulated employers and other stakeholders through the Representation in Federal Sectors project.
Through the project Diversity Works: Exploring Supported Employment Experiences of BIPOC Who Experience Disability, the Canadian Association for Supported Employment will learn more about BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) who experience disability, as they join the workforce and engage with employment service providers.
These projects will help create a more vibrant and diverse workforce that empowers everyone to be part of Canada’s recovery.
On January 18, 2022, the Government launched the 2022 Open Call for Concepts for the WORBE program. Canadian organizations are encouraged to submit project concepts that focus on breaking down barriers to employment for one or more of the four equity-seeking groups designated under the Employment Equity Act in federally regulated workplaces. The call for concepts closes on February 15, 2022.
