Millennials will leave and look for organizations that match their values.

The Great Resignation is in play — social activism, the environment, work/life balance, and mental health have all become priorities.

Employees of Colour will leave.

People are no longer willing to tolerate racist working conditions and being silenced. Demonstrable and actionable change by non-Black co-workers must be felt and seen.

Innovation will decrease.

Diverse workplaces have been shown to significantly increase innovative thinking and results. ROI will be altered by a diminished diverse workplace.

Customers and clients may take their business elsewhere.

Sharing diversity statistics and strategies is becoming the norm. Will your clients care if you aren't prioritizing diversity?

Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour have been, and continue to be, the victims of discrimination, oppression, exclusion, and a lack of equity as a result of White dominant culture. This injustice permeates into all aspects of their lives — their employment, their income, their education, their housing, their health & healthcare, and every single one of their day-to-day experiences. The statistics below highlight the harsh realities of the non-White population in Canada and exemplify where the inequity gaps continue to persist as a result of White dominant culture:

Employment Inequity:

BLACK MEN ARE 2.6x MORE LIKELY TO WORK IN JOBS THEY ARE OVERQUALIFIED FOR THAN WHITE MEN; BLACK WOMEN ARE 1.5x MORE LIKELY TO WORK IN JOBS THEY ARE OVERQUALIFIED FOR THAN WHITE WOMAN. (source)

Not only do Black Canadians have to accept jobs that are below their qualifications, but they also experience increased scrutiny in their workplace compared to their White colleagues. They are often penalized for lesser mistakes, resulting in less promotions and lower wages, further adding to this wage inequity.

Inadequate Access to Healthcare:

THE PREVALANCE OF DIABETES IN BLACK ADULTS IS 2.1x HIGHER THAN WHITE ADULTS IN CANADA. (source)

Despite having access to publicly funded healthcare in Canada, Black Canadians do not receive the same treatment and outcomes as White Canadians. The diabetes statistic provided above is only one example of the multitude of health disparities that Black Canadians experience as the result of ongoing racism within the healthcare system.

Disproportionate Discipline in Schools:

BLACK CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO ARE 2x AS LIKELY TO BE SUSPENDED AND 4x MORE LIKELY TO BE EXPELLED THAN WHITE STUDENTS. (source)

The unfair treatment of Black students has an enduring negative impact on their educational trajectory and academic success. The suspensions and expulsions increase the isolation they experience and decreases their enjoyment at school while eroding their trust of educators, creating barriers to success at a young age.