HCIA Statement of Solidarity for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

HCIA including all board members denounce anti-black systemic racism and discrimination of all forms.  The demographic of Headwaters has changed significantly over the last decade and we recognize that as of the latest available census in 2016*, 8.1% (4,925) of the population of Dufferin County (60,845) identify as a visible minority and of that 2.6% (1,595) identify as Black. 18.7% (12,410) of the population of Caledon (66,215) identify as a visible minority and of that 2.8% (1,880) identify as Black.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion are complex issues that will take time to address in order to support all the marginalized and racialized groups within our community.  We can not shy away from these tough conversations, instead we need to address them directly in order to better serve the needs of our diverse and growing community.  This includes ensuring that we increase equity for all including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour including Asian, new Canadians and migrant workers, 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, women and all marginalized identities.

We acknowledge that systemic racism and inequities exist and this needs to end, now.  We need to do better.  

HCIA commits to ensure that our organization is inclusive and equitable for all. To that end we have:

1. Engaged with community leaders to have open and honest conversation about racism
2. Researched Equity, Diversity & Inclusion training for the organization
3. Begun to discuss plans to support diversity and combat discrimination in our communities through our work

We also commit to the following:

1. We will complete anti-racism & equity training for all staff/board members
2. We will complete unconscious bias training for all staff/board members
3. We will work on building a diverse board that reflects the demographic make-up of our communities
4. We will make available to the public how we are doing in terms of our commitments to combating systemic racism
5. We will add an Indigenous Land Acknowledgment to opening remarks at public events
6. We will hold space for the difficult conversations and offer a home base and backbone organizational support for citizens and groups who wish to work on equity, diversity and inclusion to enact positive change in our communities

Making life better…for all…together.

Ratified by HCIA Leadership Council: August 27, 2020

*Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census