"The journey toward equity and inclusion is ongoing, and it requires that we lead with care, humility, and accountability.”
Over the past year, Halton CAS has continued to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across all areas of our work. As Director of DEI, I’m proud of our progress and partnerships and I also recognize there is more to do.
We are now embarking on a new initiative with the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to further embed DEI principles into the fabric of our organization. This work is guided by the senior leadership team, Diversity and Equity Committee, and the work plans developed by our One Vision One Voice Practice Lead and our previous Truth and Reconciliation Lead.
Together we have identified six key priorities:
1. Deepening staff training to support equity literacy and culturally responsive service.
2. Strengthening the Diversity and Equity Committee.
3. Expanding support for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
4. Collaborating with the Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence.
5. Advancing identity-based data analysis with Quality Assurance and Our Kids Network.
6. Embedding DEI into supervision, service planning, and leadership accountability.
In January 2024, we launched First Contact, a mandatory training for all staff on Indigenous histories, rights, and legislations such as the Federal legislation, an Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the OACAS 9 Reconciliation Commitments. To date, 95% of our staff have completed this training.
While our Truth and Reconciliation and One Vision One Voice journeys continue, our commitment extends further. We continue to work alongside 2SLGBTQ+, South Asian families, and other equity-deserving groups to ensure our inclusive and culturally safe service.
Equity is not a destination, it is a continuous journey. I am grateful to our staff, partners, youth, families, Diversity and Equity Committee, ERG leaders, Board and senior leadership for guiding this important work.
-Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Donna Miles