St.Amant Position on Discrimination and Racism

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At St.Amant, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, diverse, and equitable community where all people are empowered to bring their authentic selves. We stand firmly against individual and systemic discrimination and racism against people who are protected under the prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction.

Our Commitment:

1. Addressing Racism and Discrimination: We commit to taking reasonable and effective action towards discrimination, racism, and any form of harmful or disrespectful behaviour, whether it comes from individuals, groups, or systems. Any behaviour that undermines the dignity of our employees, volunteers, people we support, their families/support networks, or other community members, will be addressed promptly and appropriately with everyone involved. 

Our Commitment:

2. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at all levels of our organization. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances creativity, innovation, decision-making, and excellence. 

3. Education and Awareness: We promote ongoing education and awareness opportunities to our employees, volunteers, people we support and their families/support networks to acknowledge the impact of discrimination and racism and to equip them with the tools to recognize and challenge such behaviours.

4. Open Dialogue: We encourage open and honest dialogue about issues of discrimination and racism. We believe that by listening to diverse perspectives, we can better understand and address any issues.

5. Support: We offer individualized and compassionate emotional support to employees, volunteers, people we support, and their families/caregivers who experience or witness discrimination or racism. 

6. Reporting: Everyone is encouraged to report racism and discrimination that is witnessed or experienced. The reporting system is clear, impartial, and without repercussions. 

Conclusion:

Discrimination and racism have no place in our organization, community, or society. We pledge to continue our efforts to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future.

Glossary of Terms

Accessibility: Giving people of all abilities an equal chance to participate fully in everyday life. Accessibility refers to the ability to access and benefit from a system, service, product or environment.

Authentic Self: Embracing and presenting oneself in alignment with personal beliefs, experiences, and cultural or social identities, even when you feel pressured to act differently.

Discrimination: Discrimination is treating a person differently, to their disadvantage based on: ancestry, including colour and perceived race, nationality or national origin, ethnic background or origin, religion, religious belief or religious activity, age, sex, including pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or family status, source of income, political belief association or activity, physical or mental disability, and social disadvantage. It involves denying opportunities, resources, or rights to people based on these factors, often leading to social and economic disadvantages.

Equitable Workplace: A workplace where all employees are provided with fair and equal opportunities based on their individual needs. Not all employees are afforded the same opportunities, and this addresses the imbalance of opportunities available to them.

Equity: Equity involves ensuring fairness by recognizing and addressing unequal starting points and barriers and providing needed resources and support to achieve equal outcomes. Unlike equality, which treats everyone the same, equity aims to provide what each person specifically needs to succeed.

Inclusion: Inclusion is the practice of creating an environment where all people feel valued, respected, and able to fully participate, regardless of their differences. It goes beyond representation and focuses on fostering belonging and actively involving diverse perspectives.

Racism: Any actions of prejudice, discrimination, or hostility by a person against a person or people based on their connection to a particular racial or ethnic group.

Respectful: Showing appropriate politeness, mindfulness, or kindness to someone no matter the situation.