Policy Statement
The City of Hamilton commits to ensuring that Council and all levels of corporate management embed the principles of Equity and Inclusion into the way that the City does business delivers services and programs and provides opportunities.
Purpose:
The Policy’s purpose is to enhance and strengthen Council’s decisions and to apply the principles of Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Public engagement to all City of Hamilton’s processes, policies, practices, programs, services, opportunities, actions, corporate strategic plans and departmental goals in ensuring beneficial outcomes and improved quality of life for all of the City’s internal and external stakeholders. The Policy is in corporate alignment with the City’s Vision, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Employment Standards Act and the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy.
Principles:
The following principles provide guidelines to achieve the Policy outcomes:
- All individuals must be treated with dignity and respect.
- Governance decisions made in the interests of under-served communities enhance the outcomes of all Hamiltonians.
- All members of the City of Hamilton’s communities must have equitable access to its services, programs and opportunities.
- Equity and Inclusion principles are imbedded in all City of Hamilton’s education, training and professional development opportunities for all staff which is essential to creating a corporation free from racism, discrimination and harassment.
- The principles of Equity and Inclusion are embedded in the City's business processes and opportunities and in the supports that the City provides to businesses, creating a level playing field and benefiting all the City's stakeholders.
- The diversity of Hamilton’s communities must be reflected in the diversity of the City’s workforce.Hamilton’s workforce diversity strengthens its competitive business edge for success both in Canada and internationally.
- Public engagement ensures that diverse communities and individuals sit at crucial decision-making tables.
- Public engagement initiatives are most effectively carried out by a highly diverse workforce.
- The City of Hamilton must be committed to finding ways to deal effectively with resistance to organizational change.
- Multi-layered, two-way communication channels are essential for effective organizational change.
- Effective socio-economic opportunities for all Hamiltonians depend on the identification and removal of systemic barriers to equitable and inclusive outcomes.
- Leadership that validates shared and individual accountability enhances the successful implementation of the Policy.
Statement of Commitment
Hamilton City Council, management and staff, through the Equity and Inclusion Policy, commits to meeting the needs of the City’s under-served communities when meeting the needs of all its communities.
Each group of stakeholders identified key areas where they face barriers in accessing City services, programs and opportunities, and in participating in the life of the community. The following supporting policy statements identify the needs and deficiencies of the under-served communities to be supported in the overall Equity and Inclusion Policy.
The City of Hamilton is committed to ensuring that Council and all levels of corporate management plan, implement and evaluate strategies, policies, human resources management and other programs, opportunities and services for the following underserved groups.
- Aboriginal/First Nations/Métis and Inuit Peoples
- Creed -- groups and individuals
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
- Newcomers and New Canadians
- Socio-Economic Equity & Persons Living in Poverty
- Persons with Disabilities
- Racialized Peoples
- Seniors
- Women
- Youth