Municipality takes action toward advancing equity and inclusion initiatives

RMWB shares Employee Census findings

 The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), through a partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), conducted an Employee Census to understand the state of diversity and inclusion within the organization. From November 17 to December 4, 2020, 726 employees completed the Employee census and provided 155 comments, representing a response rate of 48.2 per cent.

How is the organization responding to the findings?

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is committed to listening to our employees, learning from what they have to share and where demonstrated, changing and improving to ensure the RMWB removes any barriers caused by systemic racism. We are committed to being a workplace that is safe and welcoming for everyone. Our desire is to have a region that thrives and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.

RMWB’s commitments to all employees

The Municipality has formalized a plan, which includes commitments to employees and stakeholders to foster greater inclusion and equity within the organization. This plan is available at rmwb.ca/inclusion. Outlined in the plan, are the following key actions:

• Embedding equity and inclusion into organizational culture
• Developing and implementing an equity and inclusion framework
• Embedding an equity lens into organizational structures and guiding documents
• Reviewing policies and procedures using a GBA+ lens

• Improving supports for equity deserving groups
• Supporting formation of employee resource groups
• Providing capacity development for Black, Indigenous, and other minority-led initiatives
• Reviewing current processes to improve support for employees experiencing racism and discrimination

• Expanding training and development
• Providing mandated anti-racism training for all staff and new recruits
• Launching education campaigns and resources
• Ensuring leaders champion equity and inclusion including a commitment to advancing their own knowledge in this area

• Increasing resources, accelerating actions, creating accountability
• Creating an Equity and Inclusion Office supported by a dedicated Program Manager
• Adopting and endorsing an Action Plan that addresses the Employee Census results
• Conducting regular employee censuses to track progress

In February 2021, the Municipality formed an Equity & Inclusion Office (E & I Office). The E & I Office is an interdepartmental group that advises, develops, and supports the organization’s equity and inclusion initiatives. The E & I Office will consult with, receive advisement from, and work collaboratively with Council-appointed committees and community groups.

Learn more about the Employee Census findings, the E & I Office and the Municipality’s commitment to equity and inclusion in the workplace at rmwb.ca/inclusion.

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