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HomeLive HereDiversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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Live Here

 Group of diverse people

A City for Everyone

The City of Stratford is committed to building a culture where difference is valued.   The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be on behalf of the communities we serve.   We recognize that the important work we are doing has to be internal first, so it can impact what we do externally.  We believe we will do that better if our employees come from different backgrounds and if we create an environment of inclusion and belonging for them. Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-racism are the principles guiding how we will build our teams, cultivate leaders and create a workplace that’s the right fit for every person.  While we have more work to do to advance inclusion, diversity, and equity in our workplace, we are investing to move our City forward. 

Vision

We envision a City that creates and sustains a culture that embodies diversity, equity, and inclusion that supports YOU in your community.

Mission

To create and sustain a culture where differences drive meaningful change to meet the needs of an evolving community.

Equity Lens

The City of Stratford is committed to applying an equity lens to identify and remove barriers and support best practices in its programs, services, and employment. As a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion division, we acknowledge that there is much work that needs to be done.  More information will be provided once available. 

Accessibility 

The City of Stratford's Commitment

The City is committed to providing equal treatment to people with disabilities with respect to the use and benefit of services, programs, goods and facilities in a manner that respects their dignity, independence, and integration, and is equitable in relation to the broader public. This commitment extends to residents, employees, visitors and other stakeholders with visible and non-visible disabilities. 

Check out our Accessibility page to see what the City is working on to improve accessibility and remove barriers for citizens with disabilities.

Days of Significance 

  • January 1-31:  Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
  • January 4: World Braille Day
  • First Week of February White Cane Week
  • March 13 - 19: Neurodiversity Celebration Week
  • March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
  • April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
  • May 29 – June 4:National AccessAbility Week
  • September 23: International Day of Sign Languages
  • October 1-31: Disabilities Employment Awareness Month  
  • October 10: World Mental Health Day
  • December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

External Resources

  • Accessibility and Attitudes about Disability in Canada
  • Accessibility Services Canada – Resources
  • Stratford Public Library – Diverse Abilities for Middle School Readers
  • Stratford Public Library - Diverse Abilities in Picture Books 
  • I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much | Stella Young (video)

Anti-Racism and Equity

The City of Stratford's Dedication

Everyone in our community has a right to live and work in a City free from all prejudice, harassment, and abuse. Therefore, we are committed to a zero-tolerance policy on any discrimination, and bullying regarding citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex/pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other dimensions that relate to a person's identity and lived experience. We are a City that welcome’s everyone and celebrates all the people who make our city great in many different ways.

Internally, The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion division is working towards implementing equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in the City’s Strategic Plan.  More information will be provided once available. 

Days of Significance 
  • January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
  • January 29: National Day of Remembrance for the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia
  • February 1-28: Black History Month
  • February 20: World Day of Social Justice
  • March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
  • August 1: Emancipation Day
  • October 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
  • December 10: Human Rights Day
External Resources 
  • Healing in Colour
  • Public Service Alliance of Canada – Anti-Racism Resources
  • Stratford Public Library - #BlackLivesMatter Syllabus
  • Stratford Public Library - Non-Fiction on Race and Racism 
  • Stratford Public Library - Social Justice Non-Fiction
  • Stratford Public Library - Racial Diversity in Children's Books 
Community Partner - Community Equity Action Team (CEAT)

At the June 8, 2020, Regular Council meeting, a resolution was adopted requesting the Stratford Police Services Board to create a Community Equity Action Team (CEAT). The CEAT would act as an advisory council for Stratford Police Services on issues of equity, transparency, and community relations.

For more information, please visit the Community Equity Action Team Initiative webpage.

Indigenous Reconciliation

Land Acknowledgement

The City is currently working towards developing a Land Acknowledgement. As we move toward reconciliation, we need to reflect and acknowledge on the land in which we live, work and play. The City will post its land acknowledgment once complete.    

Truth and Reconciliation 

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its findings and 94 Calls to Action to redress the residential school legacy and advance the reconciliation of process of Canada. The Calls to Action are directed at all levels of government, the private sector, and Canadians as a whole.

The City acknowledges that reconciliation is a continuous, lifelong process that requires the intention and action of all employees. Staff will continue to work towards reconciliation through Indigenous-led learning opportunities and authentic relationship building. 

Days of Significance 
  • June 21: National Indigenous People’s Day
  • September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day
  • October 4: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
  • November 1-30: Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
  • November 6-12: Treaties Recognition Week
  • November 8: National Aboriginal Veteran’s Day 
External Resources 
  • CBC Unreserved with Rosanna Deerchild (radio show)
  • Stratford Public Library - Indigenous Connections Hub 
  • Stratford Public Library - Indigenous Truths for Schools Aged Youth 
  • United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  • University of Alberta: Indigenous Canada – Free Online Course

Multiculturalism 

The City's Strategy in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We are a City that welcome’s everyone and celebrates all the people who make our city great in many different ways. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion division is working towards implementing equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in the City’s Strategic Plan. More information will be provided once available. 

Days of Significance 
  • January 22: Lunar New Year (Date Varies)
  • February 1: World Hijab Day
  • March 22 – April 21: Ramadan (Date Varies)
  • May 1-31: Asian Heritage Month
  • May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
  • May 25: Africa Day
  • June 20: World Refugee Day
  • June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day
  • October 1-31: Islamic History Month Canada
  • October 1-31: Latin American Heritage Month
  • November 12: Diwali (Date Varies)  
  • December 18 -26: Hanukkah (Date Varies)
  • December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa 

External Resources 

  • Government of Canada - Immigration and Citizenship
  • Government of Canada - Immigrant Stories Throughout Canada 
  • Stratford Public Library - Books on Immigrant Experience for Children
  • CBC - 7 Canadian Books to Read on World Refugee Day
Community Partner - Multicultural Association of Perth Huron

Founded in 2011, the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron provides refugees and newcomers to Canada a warm welcome and information to assist them as they adjust to their new environment.  Their services include orientation, settlement & support, language assessment, connections, job search, and assistance regarding applications.

To learn more please visit the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron website.

Stratford Pride Network

Stratford Pride Network

The City stands with individuals, groups, and organizations who are actively working to support our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We condemn all forms of biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.    

The acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and additional sexual orientations, and gender identities. 

We acknowledge that our systemic foundation is based on cis-heteronormativity, and it is required that we continuously learn, actively listen, and provide intentional action in creating a safe and inclusive place for all.  

Days of Significance 
  • March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
  • April 6: International Asexuality Day
  • April 14: International Day of Pink
  • May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
  • June 1-30: Pride Month
  • October 11: National Coming Out Day
  • October 19: International Pronouns Day
  • November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance 
External Resources 
  • Homophobic comments, slurs & jokes: What can I do to intervene?
  • Pronouns Matter
  • The Trevor Project – Resources  
  • Stratford Public Library - LGBTQ+ Kids books 
Community Partner - Stratford Perth Pride 

Stratford Perth Pride is the representative 2SLGBTQIA+ organization of Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County. Established in 2017, this organization provides a safe, welcoming, and, accepting environment to gender and sexually diverse people.    

For more information, please visit the Stratford-Perth Pride website.

Women

Gender Inequality  

The City recognizes that gender inequality is still prevalent in society. We are committed to providing women and girls with opportunities to participate and have a seat at the table so their voices can be heard. Internally, the City is working towards a strategic plan involving equity and reconciliation. 

Days of Significance  
  • March 8: International Women's Day
  • October 1-31: Women’s History Month
  • October 11: International Day of the Girl Child
  • November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women  
External Resources 
  • Canadian Women’s Foundation
  • United Nations – Gender Equality
  • Women and Gender Equality Canada
  • Stratford Public Library - Girl Power!
  • Stratford Public Library - Strong Girls and Women in Junior Fiction
  • Reading List on Women’s History and Women’s Lives – Children and Young Adults

Recreation Programs for Families, Seniors and Youth

 Recreation Programs 

The City has programs and facilities to keep families, seniors, and youth engaged in their community. To learn more about these programs please visit the City’s Recreation Webpage.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives 

News Articles 
National Post/Innovating Canada: Reflecting the Diversity of Stratford with Reform from Within 
Affordable Housing

The City’s Social Services Department provides a range of programs and services to help residents access housing options that are affordable and meet their needs, situations, and choice. 

Check out the Housing page to learn more. 

Canadian Commission for UNESCO's Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities 

In January 2021, the City proudly became a member of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities.  This network brings together municipalities that want to improve their policies against racism, discrimination, exclusion, and intolerance. Its strength lies in the shared experiences of its members. Together, the municipalities undertake initiatives to eliminate all forms of discrimination with a view to building open and inclusive societies.

The City joins 82 other cities across Canada who work together to:

  • improve their practices to promote social inclusion
  • establish policies to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination
  • promote human rights and diversity

As a member, the City is committed to developing an Action Plan outlining initiatives to eliminate forms of discrimination and to build an open and inclusive community. As part of this process, public consultation will be undertaken to seek feedback. This is a long-term commitment and will be rolled out in stages.

Related Documents:

  • Signed Declaration
  • Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities website 
Community Safety and Well-Being Plan

On May 25th, 2021, Stratford City Council formally adopted a Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Plan, which was developed in partnership with the Town of St. Marys, the Municipality of North Perth, the Municipality of West Perth, the Township of Perth East, and the Township of Perth South.

The purpose of this plan is to:

  • To provide a roadmap for inclusive, connected, and coordinated safety and well-being planning
  • To ensure a proactive and integrated approach to addressing local crime and complex social issues on a sustainable basis
  • To identify key priorities for safety and well-being planning locally
  • To support and strengthen existing initiatives related to community safety and well-being
  • To address local service and systems gaps

The implementation of the CSWB Plan will be guided by a Partnership Council made up of local government, police services, health agencies, mental health and addictions agencies, education organizations, children and youth services, social services, and community and recreational services.

For more information, please visit the CSWB website or email info@cswb-stratfordperthstmarys.com.  

Related documents:

  • Roadmap for Collaboration: A Community Safety and Well-being Plan for Stratford, St. Marys, North Perth, West Perth, Perth East, and Perth South (2021-2024)
  • Community Safety and Well-being Implementation Plan (2021-2024)
  • Community Safety and Well-being Presentation Slides from May 25th Council Meeting

Feedback

Your feedback is important to us. If you have questions or concerns regarding equity and accessibility, please complete our Feedback Form, or you can email us at DEI@stratford.ca

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