Past Webinars
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Session 1
It’s a Must, Not a Should: Grounding Your EDI Work in Canadian Law April 25, 2025 | 1–2:00 pm EST Jadine Lannon, Forte Workplace Law |
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While EDI programs and initiatives are rapidly disappearing in the United States, you may be wondering: Could something like that happen here in Canada? The short answer is: not likely. EDI principles are embedded in our legal system and are unlikely to go away anytime soon. Jadine Lannon will discuss the anti-discrimination and equality protections applicable to all public sector and non-profit organizations in Canada, and how they both empower and, in certain cases, require organizations to continue their EDI efforts.
Jadine Lannon (they/them) is a queer nonbinary lawyer practicing human rights, labour, and employment law on the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations, in an area with the colonial name of “Vancouver.” They are a founding member of Lawyers Against Transphobia, a national coalition of justice workers focused on combatting anti-trans conduct wherever it arises, and a frequent presenter on topics related to queer competency, EDI, and using the law to combat hate and oppression. |
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Session 2
Building Courage in the Face of EDI Backlash May 2, 2025 | 1–2:00 pm EST Jean Samuel, Arise International Consulting |
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Advancing workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion requires difficult personal and organizational shifts. It is difficult when politics and social consciousness align with social justice and equity. It is even more difficult in the current climate. Join the conversation with Jean Samuel as she shares 10 best practices to build courage and resilience in the face of pushback against equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Jean Samuel (she/her) is an equity consultant and educator working in Brantford, Ontario, which sits on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples, and is part of the Haldimand Tract, land promised to the Six Nations. With a specific interest in organizational change for equity, Jean works to support governors, executive leaders, and staff in the human services, social services, not-for-private, and public sectors develop organizational strategies and work plans to enhance their journey towards equity and inclusion. She also leads facilitated dialogues on anti-oppression and anti-racism to enhance social justice through critical consciousness and reflection. |
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EDI programs are being systematically dismantled in the U.S., but this work continues in the non-profit and public sectors in Canada. How can organizations strengthen their workplace EDI programs in Canada as they come under attack in the United States? Tana Turner will provide 10 key strategies that organizations can use to advance and strengthen their workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
Tana Turner (she/her) lives, works, and plays in the city of Toronto, on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples and which is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. Tana is a researcher, consultant, and advocate for social justice and systems change. In the early 1990s, Tana worked within the provincial government to develop employment equity legislation, and to implement employment equity within the Ontario Public Service. Since 2002, she has worked as an independent consultant supporting organizations in the non-profit and public sectors to understand and respond to the increased diversity of the labour market, employee population, and population served. |