2024 AWARD RECIPIENT
Recognizing those unions, labour organizations and groups in Canada that are leading the way by working together to increase the participation of Black, Indigenous and racialized workers in the construction industry through:
Leadership, Collaboration, Innovation, Action, Impact and Recognizable, or measurable change in recruitment, hiring, progress on the job and in apprenticeships, welcome and respect on the job
The award recognizes an organization that puts into practice best practices identified by the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB,) standards for organizations around the world.
The Canadian District of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCIA)
The Canadian District of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCIA) deserves the Leading on Diversity Award for its pivotal role in supporting the Technical Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Apprenticeship Programs. This committee, comprised of over 40 experts, including CSA Project Managers, worked tirelessly to develop a standard aimed at addressing the low participation and retention rates of underrepresented groups in skilled trades and apprenticeships. By investing in this initiative, UBCIA has demonstrated its commitment to fostering more inclusive work environments and expanding opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. This effort not only promotes equity but also helps meet the growing demand for qualified workers in the skilled trades. Additionally, the financial backing provided by UBCIA, along with support from the Government of Canada’s Union Training and Innovation Program, has been instrumental in bringing this important standard to fruition. The commitment of leadership within the organization to enhance diversity in its workforce and implement policies and plans to achieve this objective is pivotal in fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment. This Standard was meticulously crafted to integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) strategies into every facet of the apprenticeship journey, spanning from pre-apprenticeship stages to recruitment, onboarding, registration as an apprentice, on-the-job training, and eventual recognition as a journeyperson. Its requirements and recommendations serve as a comprehensive roadmap for organizations to embrace and customize, catering to the unique needs of their workforce, apprentices, and equity-deserving communities. Encompassing all phases and aspects of the apprenticeship trajectory in skilled trades, this Standard extends its reach to activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting opportunities within the skilled trades, facilitating pre-apprenticeship programs, initiating recruitment drives, and sponsoring apprentices, providing on-the-job training, offsite training, and guiding progression through various apprenticeship levels up to testing and certification endorsed by the designated apprenticeship authority. The commitment of organizational leadership to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives, supported by the implementation of policies and plans grounded in the principles of this Standard, is fundamental in building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse society it serves. It's a commitment not only to equity and fairness but also to organizational resilience, innovation, and sustained growth. It also ensures a pipeline of talent that reflects the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences. By implementing policies and plans aligned with the principles outlined in this Standard, organizations can proactively address systemic barriers and create pathways for underrepresented individuals to thrive in the skilled trades. Moreover, fostering diversity in the workforce isn't just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Diverse teams are known to be more innovative, adaptable, and better equipped to solve complex problems, ultimately driving organizational success and competitiveness in today's dynamic global marketplace.