Our resource groups (ERGs) bring together employees who share a common identity and experiences. Employee resource groups help create an inclusive culture and promote a welcoming work environment.
Are voluntary, employee-led groups come together around shared identities and experiences
Provide spaces where employees from marginalized groups can meet up for social connection, sense of community, networking, and mutual support
Formalize the connection between City leadership and staff from marginalized groups, which involves creating channels for communication and building connections to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions
Foster inclusive and supportive work environments
Advance equity and decolonization within the workplace
ERGs first emerged in workplaces after the 1960s race riots in the US. They were spread around the world by way of multinational corporations. ERGs are now common in many Canadian organizations, including municipal governments. They go by many names including affinity groups or diversity networks. ERGs are recognized as a best practice to support a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Our employee resource groups
Black Staff
Caregivers
Employees with Disabilities
IBPOC Connect
Indigenous Staff
Korean Staff
Muslim Staff
Queer Change Makers
QTBIPOC Network
Trans, Gender diverse and Non-binary Employees
Women in Operations
Women in STEM
Women Planning in Colour
Benefits to staff
A place to be yourself at work, to be understood, and problem solve common challenges.
Provide more opportunities for City leaders to see and hear ideas from marginalized groups.
Leadership development, new sets of skills, and knowledge.
Opportunity to network, find mentors, and mentor others.
Opportunity to positively impact your work environment.
Benefits to the City
Sense of belonging and community among staff, with positive mental health outcomes.
Empowerment and employee engagement, resulting in the retention of under-represented groups.
Identifying talent within the organization naturally and creating pathways for developing a diverse group of leaders.
Create networks between departments and break down barriers between them.
Infrastructure to quickly reach out to specific groups of staff to access innovative ideas, community networks, and knowledge based on relevant lived experiences.
