Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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.

The Corporation of the City of Stratford H.1.38 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy. Our policy provides a Corporate direction to ensure equity is embedded in the different areas of our operations.

Reporting Hate and Discrimination

Victim Services Huron Perth provides support to victims of hate. This form allows you to report acts of hate, as well as choose to identify yourself if you wish to receive support. The support provided includes:

  • Providing emotional support
  • Providing community resource information related to social services, religious institutions, and community groups
  • Provide support when a police report is filed (you do not need to file a police report)

Indigenous Reconciliation

The City acknowledges that Stratford is located on land that was shared between the Neutral (Attawandaron), Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples. It is also important to acknowledge that municipal buildings are on territory governed by two treaties: The Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant of 1701, made between the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, an agreement made between eighteen Anishinaabek Chiefs and the Canada Company. Today, this land is still home to many Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to live, work, and play on this land.

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.

  • 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

Accessibility

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.

City of Stratford's 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility

The City of Stratford's 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP) outlines our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible community for everyone. Over the next five years, we will focus on improving accessibility in various areas, such as public spaces, transportation, and communication. By identifying barriers and implementing practical solutions, we aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of abilities, can fully participate and enjoy all that our city has to offer. Join us in making Stratford a place where everyone feels welcome and included!

  • 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

Anti-Racism and Equity

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.

  • 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

Multiculturalism

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.

  • 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

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.

Stratford Pride Network

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

  • 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

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.

 

Women

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.

  • 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

Recreation Programs for Families, Seniors and Youth

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

National Post/Innovating Canada: Reflecting the Diversity of Stratford with Reform from Within

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.

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:

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