The Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter is a voluntary no-cost employer toolkit and recognition program that supports employers in creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces for their employees and clients through a declaration of principles, a list of commitments and tools and resources to support implementation.
News release: Municipality signs on to the Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter
Online information session: Watch the Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter online information session to see how the Charter can benefit your organization. This video discuss the Charter, the requirements for signatories, supports available and more.
What is the Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter?
The Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter supports employers in creating more inclusive workplaces for their employees and their clients through:
- A declaration of principles.
- A list of commitments.
- Tools and resources to support implementation.
The Charter commitments are based on local and national research and best practices in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The commitments are designed to be flexible for businesses of all sizes, simple to implement and cost effective. Support is available throughout the implementation process.
Download the Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter or read below and see how your organization, employees and clients can benefit from inclusive policies.
Sign on to the Workplace Inclusion Charter
Are you ready to commit to advancing equity and inclusion at your organization? We are excited to have you on board! Please fill out the form below to express your interest and an Inclusion Coach will be in touch to set up the initial one-on-one meeting.
Need more information? See the Workplace Inclusion Charter or read below for more details. To speak with someone about the program, please contact Pulse.
The Inclusion Advantage!
Many studies have shown the evidence of benefits that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) brings to businesses and organizations. Some of these benefits are listed below. You will find more benefits in the Workplace Inclusion Charter.
Increase innovation |
Feelings of inclusion combined with organizational commitment to diversity increases innovation by 83%. |
Increase profitability |
Businesses that rank in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile. |
Higher financial returns |
Those in the top quartile for ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to have higher financial returns than the average in their industry. |
Enhance organizational reputation |
Inclusive cultures and policies improve an organization’s reputation by 58%! |
Talent acquisition |
76% of job seekers look at the diversity of companies. |
Employee retention |
Feeling included accounts for 20% of an employee’s desire to stay at their organization. |
Increase performance and decrease absences |
High feelings of belonging, which are associated with feelings of inclusion, correspond with 50% less turnover, a 56% performance increase, and a 75% decrease in the use of sick days. |
Improved customer service |
Employees are more likely to be responsive to customer needs. |
Be recognized for your efforts!
The Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter outlines a list of commitments for participating employers. Work your way through the commitments and receive recognition for each level achieved!
Recognition includes an annual news release recognizing organizations who have met set criteria and a place on RMWB website as an “Inclusion Champion”, as well as similar marketing collateral from partner organization’s websites, and a certificate formally presented by the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism and the Local Immigration Partnership during an award ceremony.
Recognition levels
The Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter includes various levels of inclusion outlining the specific commitments to achieve each level. Your organization will choose the recognition level you wish to pursue. Review each level below and work your way up through the levels with support from an Inclusion Coach.
Workplace Inclusion Signatory |
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Bronze Inclusion Champion |
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Silver Inclusion Champion |
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Gold Inclusion Champion |
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Commitments
The following commitments will help you become an Inclusion Champion!
Training and Education |
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Inclusive Spaces |
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Human Resources |
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Policies and Guidelines |
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Supports |
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Training Connections
There are many training opportunities available locally or online at low cost and some free of charge. Check out the list below and connect with the organization directly to offer the training to your teams.
Indigenous Cultural Inclusion Training |
Pawâmiw Creative Location: Fort McMurray |
Cultural Sensitivity Workshops |
Nisto Consulting |
Missing, Murder & Exploited Indigenous Peoples |
Stephanie Harpe Location: Fort McMurray |
Indigenous Learning Series |
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Location: Online |
Indigenous Canada |
University of Alberta Location: Online |
2SLGBTQ+ Awareness training |
Pride YMM |
Islamic Cultural Awareness Training |
Markaz Ul Islam Location: Fort McMurray Location: Fort McMurray |
Cultural Awareness Training |
Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo Location: Fort McMurray www.mcawb.org |
Accessibility & Age-Friendly Awareness |
St. Aidan’s Society: Age Sensitivity Training |
Poverty Simulation |
Make the Month: Wood Buffalo Poverty Reduction Network |
Neurodiversity in the Workplace |
Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo: Education Inclusion Program
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Addressing Domestic Violence as a Workplace Hazard |
Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters |
Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace |
Waypoints |
Support for participating organizations
Once you have signed on to the Workplace Inclusion Charter, you will have access to an Inclusion Coach who will guide you throughout the different stages of the WIC implementation process. This includes:
- An optional online self-assessment to identify needs related to diversity, equity and inclusion based on the charter commitments.
- A one-on-one interview to identify priorities, needs and capacity to help you choose commitments for your business to implement by the end of the 2024 Charter commitment period.
- Free workshop series for HR professionals and leadership responsible to implement the commitments, access to free resources and more.
Thank you to our partners!
The 2023 Wood Buffalo Workplace Inclusion Charter is a community initiative made possible with the support of the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund, as well as partner organizations and community groups.
Proudly supported by: Wood Buffalo Local Immigration Partnership, Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism, Newcomer Interagency Network, Alberta Human Rights Commission, Waypoints, the Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, St. Aidan’s Society, PRIDE YMM, Coalitions Creating Equity, Poverty Reduction Network, Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion Diversity and Equity, Advisory Committee on Aging, Regional Inclusive Committee, Northern Alberta Development Council, Fort McMurray Public School Board.